Uncommon Leadership

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We don't have a leadership problem. I think we have a promotion problem. Somewhere along the way, we started believing that the longest-serving employee, the highest performer, or the loudest voice in the room would naturally become the best leader. Then we act surprised when teams disengage. When trust disappears. When people do what's required...but nothing more. The more conversations I have on this podcast, the more convinced I become that leadership has very little to do with a title—and almost everything to do with the experience people have when they're around you. That's why I wanted to sit down with leadership & business coach Erin Treacy. Together, we unpack : → Why leadership isn't something a company hands you → Why organizations often reward the wrong behaviors → Why influence begins long before a promotion ever does → And what it actually takes to build a culture where people choose to follow—not because they have to, but because they want to. If you lead a team, aspire to lead one, or simply want to understand why some people inspire trust while others only command compliance, I think this conversation will challenge a few assumptions you didn't even realize you were carrying. Because becoming someone's boss is easy. Becoming someone they're willing to follow... is something else entirely. Key Moments in This Episode: 00:00 — Podcast Intro 01:33 — Meet Leadership Coach Erin Treacy 02:50 — The Leadership Lesson Erin Learned as a Child 05:05 — Why Most Companies Get Leadership Wrong 09:55 — Leadership As a Practice 16:08 — Leadership Isn't a Title. It's How You Show Up. 17:03 — The Hidden Work Every Great Leader Does 20:07 — The 2-Hour Habit That Can Save You 10 Hours Every Week 26:43 — Why Dashboards Don't Tell the Whole Story 32:03 — Having the Water Cooler Chat 34:32 — Can You Lead Without Authority? 39:35 — Managers vs. Operators: The Mindset Shift 43:43 — Want Genuine Connections? Stay Curious. 47:59 — Why People Choose to Follow Some Leaders 49: 27 — Best Way To Connect With Erin Treacy 50:35 — The 2-Minute Challenge Every Leader Should Try -- Prefer audio? Apple- Apple Uncommon Leadership Spotify- Spotify Uncommon Leadership This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: Uncommonteams Home - Uncommon Teams -- 🎙️ About Uncommon Leadership: I'm Michael Hunter, founder of Uncommon Teams. On the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I sit down with founders, executives, researchers, and leadership thinkers to explore what it really means to lead in today's world. Together, we unpack the intersection of leadership, psychology, resilience, and culture—because I believe the best leaders don't just build successful businesses. They build environments where people can do their best work and become their best selves. -- Speakers in this episode of Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Erin Treacy | Guest Erin Treacy is a leadership and business coach who helps professionals and teams navigate pressure, improve communication, and build stronger, more sustainable ways of working. With experience across broadcast news, small business ownership, and multiple industries, she brings a practical, people-first approach to leadership. Erin focuses on helping high performers move from over-responsibility and burnout into clarity, confidence, and more effective leadership. Connect with Erin Treacy: Website: coacherintreacy.com. LinkedIn: Linkedin linkedin.com/in/erin-treacy Instagram: Instagram instagram.com/coacherintreacy Facebook: Facebook Erin Treacy Coaching Michael Hunter | Host Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Work with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn: Linkedin linkedin.com/in/humbugreality Website: Uncommonteams Home - Uncommon Teams Newsletter: Uncommonteams Newsletter Archive - Uncommon Teams Read the book: Uncommonteams The Resilient Tech Leader Online Workbook Companion - Uncommon Teams Work with Michael Hunter: Uncommonteams Work with me - Uncommon Teams 🎵 Music Credits: Title: Dreaming Ballad Author: EpicMann Source: Envato License Code: 4BMRCYN782

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Life isn't getting less demanding. If anything, the pace keeps accelerating. More decisions. More uncertainty. More pressure. More & more people need something from you. The question isn't whether life will slow down. It's whether you can expand your capacity to meet it. Hi there, this is Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, and welcome to another episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. This week, I'm joined by Karen Canham, nervous system and neuro-somatic coach, creator of The Self-Led CEO™ Framework, and author of Wired for Resilience, for a conversation about what it really means to become emotionally stronger. Together, we explore: * Why burnout isn't always caused by your workload * How chronic reactivity quietly shrinks your emotional capacity * And why regulating your nervous system is one of the most overlooked leadership skills of our time.

This conversation isn't about escaping stress. It's about becoming someone who can handle more of life's unexpectedness—with greater presence, resilience, and ease. -- 🎁 A special gift for our listeners: Karen is offering her free Wired for Resilience Toolkit—a practical guide filled with simple somatic practices to help you regulate your nervous system, build resilience, and expand your capacity. Visit Karen Ann Wellness and look for the "Wired for Resilience" pop-up to download your free copy. -- Key Moments in This Episode: 00:00 — Podcast Intro 02:31 — Meet Karen Canham 03:56 — "This Isn't a Life" — Karen's Wake-Up Call 06:47 — The Feedback That Changed Everything 08:44 — Your Body Knows Before Your Brain 12:17 — Why This Work Is Finally Backed by Science 18:26 — Why Your Capacity Keeps Shrinking 19:37 — Burnout Isn't Caused by Your Job 24:16 — Emotional Strength Training 26:10 — The First Step to Regulating Your Nervous System 29:00 — The Hidden Patterns Running Your Life 32:16 — The Ripple Effect of Healing Yourself 37:27 — Why 70% of CEOs Feel Alone 40:28 — Curiosity Beats Judgment 45:17 — Karen's Free Resilience Toolkit 46:12 — A 60-Second Nervous System Reset 47:44 — Final Thoughts -- Prefer audio? Apple- Apple Uncommon Leadership Spotify- Spotify Uncommon Leadership This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: Uncommonteams Home - Uncommon Teams -- 🎙️ About Uncommon Leadership: I'm Michael Hunter, founder of Uncommon Teams. On the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I sit down with founders, executives, researchers, and leadership thinkers to explore what it really means to lead in today's world. Together, we unpack the intersection of leadership, psychology, resilience, and culture—because I believe the best leaders don't just build successful businesses. They build environments where people can do their best work and become their best selves. -- Speakers in this episode of Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Karen Canham | Guest Karen Canham is a nervous system and neuro-somatic coach who helps founders, executives, and high-performing professionals move from chronic stress and emotional reactivity into clarity, resilience, and self-led leadership. She is the creator of The Self-Led CEO™ Framework and the author of Wired for Resilience, combining neuroscience-informed coaching, somatic practices, and leadership development to help people build sustainable success without burnout. Connect with Karen Canham: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenannwellness/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenann_wellness Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenannwellness1/ Website: Karenannwellnesskarenannwellness.com Michael Hunter | Host Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Work with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn: Linkedin linkedin.com/in/humbugreality Website: Uncommonteams Home - Uncommon Teams Newsletter: Uncommonteams Newsletter Archive - Uncommon Teams Read the book: Uncommonteams The Resilient Tech Leader Online Workbook Companion - Uncommon Teams Work with Michael Hunter: Uncommonteams Work with me - Uncommon Teams 🎵 Music Credits: Title: Soothing Author: LuckyBlackCat Source: Envato License Code: JN3VUYCGT8

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Your team doesn't just respond to your decisions. They respond to your state. I've seen it over and over again in my work with leaders. When we're stressed, overwhelmed, or operating from survival mode, it changes how we show up. We hold on tighter. We delegate less. We avoid difficult conversations. We react instead of respond. In this episode, I'm joined by leadership strategist, global speaker, and bestselling author Hacia Atherton for a conversation about something I believe every leader needs to understand: You can't lead others well until you learn to lead yourself. Together, we explore how your nervous system shapes your leadership, why unresolved patterns often show up at work, and practical ways to become more intentional under pressure. This isn't about becoming a perfect leader. It's about becoming a more present one. 00:00 Introduction 01:29 Meet Hacia Atherton 02:34 The Cost of Inauthenticity at Work 08:20 Your Nervous System Is Always Talking 13:10 Why Every Leader Needs an Advocate 18:18 The Shift from Micromanager to Coach 22:03 Why Leaders Struggle to Delegate 28:04 Childhood Patterns That Shape Leadership 35:21 The Circle of Control 40:06 How to Respond Instead of React 44:49 Owning the Collateral Damage of Leadership 48:30 Experiments Over Failure 51:10 The 1% Rule for Better Leadership 52:35 Final Thoughts -- Prefer audio? Apple- Apple Uncommon Leadership Spotify- Spotify Uncommon Leadership This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: Uncommonteams Home - Uncommon Teams -- 🎙️ About Uncommon Leadership: I'm Michael Hunter, founder of Uncommon Teams. On the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I sit down with founders, executives, researchers, and leadership thinkers to explore what it really means to lead in today's world. Together, we unpack the intersection of leadership, psychology, resilience, and culture—because I believe the best leaders don't just build successful businesses. They build environments where people can do their best work and become their best selves. -- Speakers in this episode: Hacia Atherton | Guest Hacia Atherton is a global speaker, leadership strategist, and the Amazon bestselling author of The Billion Dollar Blind Spot. As the first female CEO of a major plumbing company in Australia, Hacia has spent her career helping organizations transform workplace culture through psychological safety, inclusive leadership, and evidence-based people strategies. After surviving a near-fatal horse-riding accident, she turned personal adversity into purpose by founding Empowered Women in Trades and becoming a leading voice on resilient leadership, courageous conversations, and building workplaces where people feel safe to contribute, grow, and thrive. Connect with Hacia Atherton : * LinkedIn: Linkedin linkedin.com/in/haciaatherton * Instagram: Instagram instagram.com/hacia.atherton * Website: www.haciaatherton.com * Consulting: www.allstarconsultinginc.com * Book: The Billion Dollar Blind Spot * Email: hacia@allstarconsultinginc.com

🎁 A Special Gift for Our Listeners The cost of a fractured culture is steep: disengagement, turnover, burnout, and billions in lost potential. Inside Hacia's free eBook, Thriving at Work, you'll discover evidence-based strategies drawn from positive psychology and cultural transformation to help you build trust, boost engagement, and lead with clarity and courage. Inside, you will learn how to: * Harness your personal leadership strengths. * Understand the psychology behind belonging and team connection. * Gain simple, powerful tools to elevate performance without pressure.

Whether you're leading a team now or preparing to step into a leadership role, this eBook is your first step to becoming the kind of leader today's workplaces actually need. 🎯 Download your free copy and start building the culture that builds your bottom line: Get the eBook Here Michael Hunter | Host Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Work with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn: Linkedin linkedin.com/in/humbugreality Website: Uncommonteams Home - Uncommon Teams Newsletter: Uncommonteams Newsletter Archive - Uncommon Teams Read the book: Uncommonteams The Resilient Tech Leader Online Workbook Companion - Uncommon Teams Work with Michael Hunter: Uncommonteams Work with me - Uncommon Teams 🎵 Music Credits: Title: Corporate Background Author: EightBallAudio Source: Envato License Code: JP5KNVRHYW

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She was hitting every goal. Winning every award. But falling apart on the inside. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, Michael Hunter sits down with Hannah Bauer — a leader with nearly three decades inside organizations, not outside them. She has served as CEO, Board Chair, and Executive Director through growth, crisis, and recovery. She is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, a Baldrige Excellence Examiner, and one of a small group of faculty trusted by John Maxwell to develop leaders globally. And she almost lost everything chasing the wrong version of herself. This is the conversation most leadership podcasts are too polished to have. No frameworks without feeling. No strategy without humanity. Just the real, uncomfortable truth about what it actually costs to lead well — and what it takes to come back when you've lost yourself in the process. Hannah went all heart. Then all systems. Both failed. What she found in between changed everything about how she leads, coaches, and shows up in the world. Discover how to align people, purpose, and performance without the chaos. Please hit subscribe for more conversations on conscious leadership, building authentic teams, and moving beyond simply surviving to actually thriving: Youtube Uncommon Leadership Podcast --- 📌 In This Episode: 00:00:00 — Introduction 00:02:51 — The Pendulum Trap that Leaders Fall Into 00:06:30 — The Hidden Loneliness of Leadership 00:10:44 — The Danger of Cognitive Dissonance 00:17:12 — Asking Your Team for Forgiveness 00:18:42 — You Can't Lead People You Don't Know 00:27:49 — Leading Through 2 Heart Attacks 00:35:28 — Your Frustration = Your Purpose 00:37:57 — Why Heart-led Leadership Ruins Teams 00:38:46 — Survival Skills vs. True Calling 00:43:53 — When Purpose and Performance Align 00:44:48 — Why Letting Go Can Be an Act of Love 00:48:48 — The "Mini Shifts" to Beat Burnout --- --- Prefer audio? Apple- Apple Uncommon Leadership Spotify- Spotify Uncommon Leadership This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: Uncommonteams Home - Uncommon Teams --- --- 🎙️ About Uncommon Leadership: Hosted by Michael Hunter of Uncommon Teams, we explore how to align personal fulfillment with business success. We help executives and managers create authentic teams and cultivate the resilience, adaptability, and ease necessary to navigate today's workplace challenges. --- --- Speakers in this episode: Hanna Bauer| Guest Helping leaders align people, purpose, and performance so organizations work the way they're meant to work — without chaos, burnout, or constant rework. Connect with Hanna Bauer: * Website: www.heartnomics.com * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bauerhanna/

Michael Hunter | Host Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Work with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn: Linkedin linkedin.com/in/humbugreality Website: Uncommonteams Home - Uncommon Teams Newsletter: Uncommonteams Newsletter Archive - Uncommon Teams Read the book: Uncommonteams The Resilient Tech Leader Online Workbook Companion - Uncommon Teams Work with Michael Hunter: Uncommonteams Work with me - Uncommon Teams 🎵 Music Credits: Title: Soothing Author: Verclub Source: Envato License Code: S5F84G9LCU

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Can you do the one thing most leaders refuse to do? Welcome back to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. Today, I sit down with Christy Pretzinger, the CEO of WG Content and founder of the Better Leader Project, for one of the most honest leadership conversations you'll hear this year. Christy has spent over 30 years building organizations where people thrive. But behind the success was an inner critic that told her she'd never be good enough. Several difficult RIF conversations taught her how to stop avoiding hard decisions. And one lifelong commitment to doing the one thing most leaders refuse to do: the inner work to truly understand yourself. This conversation goes straight to the root of what's costing leaders the most right now. Not systems. Not structure. Themselves. Grab a seat and join the conversation. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 — Introduction 04:02 — Self-Awareness: Artichoke Method 08:13 — Avoid Behavior That Requires An Apology Later 09:35 — Second Law Of Thermodynamics & Death 13:57 — Leadership As A High Calling And A Privilege 17:00 — The Hardest Decision She Ever Made As A CEO 19:30 — 1 % Better Everyday 24:00 — Power of Pausing Before You Speak 28:28 — Start with the Inner Work 33:40 — Mad. Sad. Glad. — Why 3 Emotions Aren't Enough 38:15 — Why Giving Advice Isn't As Helpful As You Think? 41:32 — Don't Let The Voice In Your Head Hold You Back 46:38— Courage Through Vulnerability 50:35 — How To Connect With Christy Pretzinger --- --- If you enjoyed this conversation and would like to see more, please subscribe to: Youtube Uncommon Leadership Podcast Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Apple Uncommon Leadership Spotify- Spotify Uncommon Leadership This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: Uncommonteams Home - Uncommon Teams --- --- Speakers in this episode: Christy Pretzinger| Guest Christy Pretzinger is the CEO of WG Content — one of the country's leading healthcare content agencies — and founder of The Better Leader Project. After building WG Content from the ground up, Christy turned her focus to the thing she's most passionate about: helping leaders create environments where people actually thrive. She's the author of Your Cultural Balance Sheet, a sought-after speaker on leadership, culture, and vulnerability, and a firm believer that the best business results come from the most human leaders. Connect with Christy Pretzinger: * Website: christypretzinger.com | wgcontent.com * LinkedIn: Linkedin linkedin.com/in/christypretzinger

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Why does leadership feel so exhausting? Why do so many smart, responsible leaders feel like they have to hold everything together? In this episode of Leadership Rewired, Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams explores one of the biggest traps leaders eventually fall into: the belief that if they just try harder, plan better, or control more, they can guarantee the outcomes they want. But what if that's exactly what's making leadership harder? Drawing on systems thinking, decades of experience working with engineering leaders and founders, and lessons from navigating uncertainty, Michael unpacks why the need for certainty often creates more stress, overwhelm, and suffering—and why letting go isn't giving up. Inside this episode: 00:00 - Introduction 03:18 - The Princess Leia Rule 04:35 - The Illusion of Control 08:24 - If Not Control... Then What? 15:00 - The Change Model 23:02 - What is Your Real Definition of Control? 27:56 - Why Leaders Like Being In Control? 34:09 - Losing Control Can Be Scary 38:55 - Why You Don't Need to Debug Your Emotions 41:26 - Treat Emotions as Data 46:15 - The 2-Minute Rewire Challenge If you're a founder, engineering leader, executive, or someone navigating change, complexity, and the pressure to have all the answers, this conversation is for you. Subscribe to the YoutubeUncommon Leadership Podcast for more conversations on leadership, emotional intelligence, resilience, systems thinking, psychological safety, and becoming the kind of leader who can thrive in uncertain times. Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- AppleUncommon Leadership Spotify- SpotifyUncommon Leadership This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: UncommonteamsHome - Uncommon Teams About Michael Hunter Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Work with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn: Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/humbugreality Website: UncommonteamsHome - Uncommon Teams Newsletter: UncommonteamsNewsletter Archive - Uncommon Teams Read the book: UncommonteamsThe Resilient Tech Leader Online Workbook Companion - Uncommon Teams Work with Michael Hunter: UncommonteamsWork with me - Uncommon Teams 🎵 Music Credits: Title: Emotional Background Author: Awesome_Music Source: Envato Elements License Code: 849DN2WG7A 🎵 Music Credits: Title: Soothing Author: Verclub Source: Envato Elements License Code: S5F84G9LCU

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Do your daily routines dissolve the moment pressure hits? If so, you aren't failing. And you definitely aren't broken. You just haven't had the chance to test your habits under duress. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I sit down with CHRISTOPH merrill, The Habit Freak, to dismantle mainstream advice on habit formation. CHRISTOPH shares his take on why habits formed in perfect conditions often act more like hobbies, and why a leader's true responsibility is to apply just enough pressure to build their team's resilience without breaking their spirit. In this episode, we explore: * Why your team's true culture is only revealed when the pressure is on. * How to use Tiny Experiments to practice failing safely and eliminate the fear of failure. * Why removing obstacles is actually more effective than forcing a new path. * How to reframe high-stakes pressure as a valuable data-collection tool instead of a threat.

Episode Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Uncommon Leadership 01:38 Introducing Christoph Merrill: The Habit Freak 02:38 Aligning Personal Goals with External Expectations 14:14 Peter Sheehan's Insight: You're Not Special 18:21 The Problem with Untrained Leaders and Utopian Habits 23:16 Michael's Tiny Experiments Philosophy 28:02 Psychological Safety & Risks 35:25 What Kept Christoph Going Without a North Star 49:15 Habits Under Pressure: The Race Was Already Over Before It Started 53:59 A Leader's Role: Applying Pressure to Test Habits 56:38 Reframing Work as "Practice" 01:00:26 Finding Alignment and Mutual Benefit 01:03:50 How to Connect with Christoph Merrill 01:04:59 Final Advice: You Are One Habit Away Before you go- What is the first habit that slips for you when work gets overwhelming? I'm curious. Let me know! If you enjoyed this conversation and would like to see more, please subscribe to: Youtube Uncommon Leadership Podcast Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Apple Uncommon Leadership Spotify- Spotify Uncommon Leadership This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: Uncommonteams Home - Uncommon Teams Speakers in this episode: CHRISTOPH merrill | Guest CHRISTOPH is a renowned keynote speaker, author, and the creator of the HabitFreak Formula, a revolutionary system designed to help individuals and organizations harness the power of habits to achieve extraordinary success and fulfillment. His approach combines vulnerability with actionable strategies, empowering others to overcome internal obstacles, break free from limiting habits, and design lives filled with purpose and fulfillment. Connect with CHRISTOPH merrill : Website: https://www.christophmerrill.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CHRISTOPHmerrill Michael Hunter | Host Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Work with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn: Linkedin linkedin.com/in/humbugreality Website: Uncommonteams Home - Uncommon Teams Newsletter: Uncommonteams Newsletter Archive - Uncommon Teams Read the book: Uncommonteams The Resilient Tech Leader Online Workbook Companion - Uncommon Teams Work with Michael Hunter: Uncommonteams Work with me - Uncommon Teams 🎵 Music Credits: Title: Piano Author: StudioKolomna Source: Envato Elements License Code: Z4EDMPKCF

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Most leaders believe they are being rational. But when you only see two options, that is not a choice — it is a paradox. And it is one of the clearest signs your survival brain has taken over. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Mitch Weisburgh, author of MindShifting: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success, to unpack why even experienced leaders keep getting stuck in reactive patterns — and what it actually takes to shift out of them. We get into the neuroscience behind the five limbic mode reactions, how to recognise when your survival brain is running the show, and why your emotions are not obstacles to good leadership — they are data. We also talk through the rule of three as a practical decision-making framework for leaders operating under pressure. And there is something I found genuinely useful in this conversation: using AI to rehearse difficult conversations before they happen, including how to instruct it to actually push back on you so the practice feels real. If you have ever caught yourself reacting in a way you immediately regretted, this one is worth your time. Before you go- What is one thing you are doing today to make your life a little better? I'm curious. Let me know! Episode Timestamps 0:00 — Introduction 4:00 — The Truth About Work-Life Balance 7:04 — The Invisible Patterns Controlling Your Reactions 16:18 — The Rule of Three: A Better Way to Make Decisions Under Stress 19:37 — How to Exit Survival Mode 26:30 — How to Use AI to Rehearse Difficult Conversations 30:21 — Are You Leading From a Threat State? 35:42 — How to Get Comfortable With Discomfort 40:10 — Why Your Brain Can't Tell the Difference Between Fear and Excitement 44:15 — The 3 Gifts of Taking That First Step 48:26 — Why Your Emotions Are Data, Not Obstacles 55:11 — Ways to Connect With Mitchell Weisburgh 57:41 — The Business Value of Bringing Your Whole Self to Work 1:04:57 — Closing Thoughts Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- AppleUncommon Leadership Spotify- SpotifyUncommon Leadership This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: UncommonteamsHome - Uncommon Teams Michael Hunter | Host Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Work with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn: Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/humbugreality Website: UncommonteamsHome - Uncommon Teams Newsletter: UncommonteamsNewsletter Archive - Uncommon Teams Read the book: UncommonteamsThe Resilient Tech Leader Online Workbook Companion - Uncommon Teams Work with Michael Hunter: UncommonteamsWork with me - Uncommon Teams Mitch Weisburgh| Guest Speaker Mitch Weisburgh is the founder of Academic Business Advisors, creator of the MindShifting Community, and author of the MindShifting: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success (2024). With over four decades of experience in education technology, nonprofit leadership, and personal development, Mitch has dedicated his career to helping people build the resilience and resourcefulness they need to thrive today. Connect with Mitch Weisburgh : * Website: Mindshiftingwithmitchmindshiftingwithmitch.com * Newsletter: MindshiftingwithmitchMindShifting with Mitch Blog * LinkedIn: Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/mweisburgh * Instagram: Instagraminstagram.com/weisburghm * X: X weisburghm * Continue exploring more on this topic: How the brain makes fast decisions * Book: MindShifting, Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success: AAmazon.com * MindShifting Courses: HumanitixMitchell Weisburgh | Humanitix

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Leadership doesn't have to be confusing, but it does need to be precise. If you've heard of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) but aren't sure how to make it work in the real world, this episode is exactly what you need. On today's episode, I'm joined by Chris Hallberg, better known as the Business Sergeant. From the high-pressure environments of the military and law enforcement to the boardroom, Chris's journey is anything but traditional. In his signature style, Chris explores how the very principles that keep people safe in the field serve as the ultimate keys to scaling a successful business. As an Expert EOS Implementer and the founder of GoExpand, Chris helps entrepreneurs replace chaos with deep discipline, accountability, and healthy conflict. Together, we discuss: * Why 100% authenticity is your best business strategy. * The "Bad Apple Effect" and how to handle toxic team members. * How to translate military-grade discipline into actionable business execution. * The danger of the "gray area" in leadership and team alignment.

If you're ready to stop surviving and start thriving with a no-nonsense approach to leadership, this episode is for you. A question for you: What is the longest you have seen a bad employee stay at a company just because they had seniority? Let us know your experience in the comments! Episode Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 1:22 - Meet Chris Hallberg 2:37 - Why authenticity is your best business strategy 7:07 - How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market [ using Personal Branding] 17:10- Military & Corrections Background 24:15- Creating Healthy Conflict 32:12- Feeling Fear vs. Having Courage 41:15- The Six Key Components of EOS 48:05- What Happens When Your Team is on the Same Page 58:22- Put the Right People in the Right Seats 01:07:25- How to Connect with Chris Hallberg Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: https://uncommonteams.com/ Speakers on this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Chris Hallberg | Guest Speaker As an Expert EOS Implementer and founder of GoExpand, Chris Hallberg uses nine years of military and law enforcement experience to bring radical clarity to business. He helps entrepreneurs align their vision, drive massive accountability, and build healthy leadership teams. By implementing a proven operating system, Chris ensures that your top talent is excited to "re-enlist" in the company's mission quarter after quarter. Connect with Chris Hallberg: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hallberg-01516315/ * Email: chris@bizsgt.com * Website: https://bizsgt.com/ [ Please find free leadership course and community admission for Veterans here]

Michael Hunter | Host Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Work with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ Newsletter: https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/ Read the book: https://uncommonteams.com/resilient-leader-workbook/ Work with Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ 🎵 Music Credits: Title: Ambient Uplifting Inspiring Piano Background Author: Starry_Music Source: Envato License Code: 6T8WB9Y7PD

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Why would a senior Hollywood executive walk away from massive franchises like Die Hard, Wolverine, and Transformers to help leaders and executives unlock their flow states? In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, join me, Michael Hunter, as we unpack the fascinating career pivot of Steven Puri. As a former 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks executive turned tech founder, Steven takes us inside the exact moment everything shifted—and why he decided to walk away from creating global blockbusters to study the neuroscience of the flow state. His story brings light to something I see working with leaders time and again: you can hit every metric of success, be at the absolute top of your game, and still feel completely misaligned. If you are working harder but achieving less, or if you're incredibly busy but can't seem to find a clear path forward— Steven's framework for healthy productivity & career alignment is exactly what you need to hear today. Are you ready to stop paddling against the current and start doing your best work? If yes, grab a seat and tune in now! Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 02:20 - From IBM to Hollywood: Can Early Success Trap You? 08:53 - When to Walk Away From a Massive Paycheck 15:49 - How to Pivot From a Career You Outgrew 19:41 - Why Entering A Flow State Is So Important? 25:09 - What is a Flow State 30:26 - How Your Workspace Affects Your Flow State 35:08 - The Science of Flow States 38:58 - How Trillion-Dollar Companies Steal Your Life 52:02 - One Simple Habit to Stop Wasting Your Potential Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: https://uncommonteams.com/ A question for you: What is the number one distraction keeping you from reaching your flow state today? Let us know in the comments! -- Speakers on this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Steven Puri | Guest Speaker Steven Puri is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company. He has served as a senior executive at both 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks Pictures, and produced the Oscar-winning visual effects for Independence Day. A veteran of three tech startups, Steven now dedicates his work to helping leaders find their focus, achieve more, and build healthy work lives. Connect with Steven Puri: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/ * Email: Steven@TheSukha.co * Website: www.TheSukha.co

Michael Hunter | Host Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Work with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ Newsletter: https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/ Read the book: https://uncommonteams.com/resilient-leader-workbook/ Work with Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ 🎵 Music Credits: Title: Podcast Intro Author: cleanmindsounds Source: Envato License Code: CGZHSVENJF #flowstate #producvitytips #leadershipalignment #attentioneconomy

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What happens when AI starts doing the things we once believed made us valuable? In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I, Michael Hunter of Uncommon Teams, sit down with Ross Smith from Microsoft to explore a question most conversations about AI miss entirely: What does it mean to stay human in this unpredictable age of AI? Tune in to find out: * How to use AI as a strategic sparring partner to debug your own ideas/arguments? * Why authenticity, emotional intelligence, and human judgment matter more than ever when building an innovative team... * Why your job title should never be your entire identity, and the danger of hiding your full self at work * How to position yourself at work for great job satisfaction and speedier career growth

Because the future may belong to people who know how to work with AI—but it will especially belong to people who know how to remain deeply human while doing it. Episode Chapters 0:00 — Introduction 5:53 — How Do You Build a Team That Actually Thrives? 9:36 — Why Should Leaders Give Teams Freedom to Fail? 11:17 — How Do Great Leaders Build Trust With Their Teams? 14:35 — Why Is Having a Life Beyond Work So Important? 20:16 — How Do You Build an Authentic Personal Brand at Work? 28:00 — Is AI Productivity Advice Missing the Bigger Picture? 30:17 — What Does AI Mean for Human Creativity and Leadership? 35:28 — Why Can AI Never Fully Replace Human Leadership? 38:08 — Using AI to Challenge Your Own Thinking 40:19 — How Leaders Can Use AI Before Difficult Meetings 41:08 — Connect with Ross Smith Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: https://uncommonteams.com/ A question for you: What's one hobby or interest you have outside of work that most of your coworkers probably don't know about? Share in the comments! -- Speakers on this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Ross Smith | Guest Speaker Ross Smith spent over three decades leading innovative teams at Microsoft, giving him a front-row seat to the rapid evolution of workplace technology. Today, his focus has shifted to the intersection of human intuition and artificial intelligence. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and co-founder of The Future World Alliance, Ross has become a leading voice on how we can use AI to become more human, not less. He's the author of "AI Revolution in Customer Service and Support" and "AI in the Classroom," and hosts the AI & Creativity Podcast, exploring how humans and AI can partner to unlock new levels of innovation. Connect with Ross Smith: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosss42/ * Email: rosss.rosss@gmail.com * AI Prompt of the Day:https://linktr.ee/rosss42 * Bonus: Ross is offering an exclusive discount on his book, AI in the Classroom. To claim it, send a message to

rosss.rosss@gmail.com with the subject line: "UnCommon Leadership: AI in the Classroom" Michael Hunter | Host Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Work with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ Newsletter: https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/ Read the book: https://uncommonteams.com/resilient-leader-workbook/ Work with Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ 🎵 Music Credits: Track: A Hope for New Beginning Artist: PremiumBeat Source: Envato Elements License Code: 2JPQCYM3X4

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You've spent your career mastering the technical. You know how to debug a system, optimize a workflow, and drive efficiency with data.

But as you move higher into leadership, you realize your most reliable tools, logic and evidence, often fail when applied to the most complex system of all: the human one.

In this milestone 100th episode of Uncommon Leadership, Michael Hunter and Jon Bach step away from standard people management advice to investigate the person behind the leader.

Together they explore:

What happens when you start paying attention—not just to systems, but to your own patterns, reactions, and internal signals.
Why change feels disorienting.
Why teams struggle even when the work looks right.
Why what we call performance issues are often something else entirely.
What it means to lead in a way that includes your mind, your body, your instincts—not just your logic/data.

Episode Breakdown 0:00 — Introduction 03:36 — How do you become an uncommon leader? 07:27 — How to decode your body's signals 11:10 — A go-to question for all tech leaders 15:33 — Why work-life balance is just a myth 19:13 — How to handle layoffs? 26:30 — How to stop carrying regret as a leader 28:34 — How to navigate career transitions? [ Satir Change Model] 40:15 — A mindset shift for dealing with uncertainty 45:37 — The cumulative power of tiny steps 51:26 — Signs you're leading out of alignment 57:46 — How to live in alignment with your base beliefs 01:06:52 — Common vs. Uncommon Leaders 01:17:26 — The question you need to ask to get to know someone 01:21:16 — Closing Thoughts

If you're navigating change, leading a team, or trying to make sense of what feels unclear right now—this episode offers a grounded, human way to approach it. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: https://uncommonteams.com/ -- Speakers on this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Jon Bach | Guest Speaker With 30+ years at tech giants like Microsoft and eBay, Jon Bach treats software testing as a treasure hunt for the truth. Combining his background in journalism with deep technical expertise, he approaches code with an investigative lens—viewing every bug as a hidden story waiting to be told. Jon's mission is deeply human as he helps tech professionals uncover the hidden assumptions and expectations buried in their daily workflows, guiding them to find the absolute truth about their work (and themselves). Outside of the software world, Jon embraces his roots as a freelance writer for Whidbey Weekly and Whidbey Life Magazine. Connect with Jon Bach: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bachjon Email: jbestpilot@gmail.com Blog: jonbox.wordpress.com Free Resources: satisfice.com Michael Hunter | Host Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Using empathetic, human-centric frameworks, Michael guides leaders to build authentic teams, cultivate resilience, and embody certainty. Work with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ Newsletter: https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/ Read the book: https://uncommonteams.com/resilient-leader-workbook/ Work with Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/

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Are you constantly putting out fires but feeling like your team still isn't moving forward? This might be happening because you might be solving the wrong problem.

In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I, Michael Hunter sits down with Todd Hanson, founder & inventor of Compass Carts.

In this episode, Todd shares his incredible journey from corporate banking to building a hardware company and the counterintuitive leadership lessons he learned along the way.

Whether you are managing a massive corporate department or a small team of external contractors, Todd explains why standard management advice often fails (and what actually works) when you need to get people on the same page.

In this episode, we cover:

00:00 - Introduction to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast 03:20 - The Distraction Rule: Why forcing your team to pay attention actually backfires, and how scheduling breaks cures their anxiety. 23:24 - The Prompt Error: Why your team's failure to deliver is usually a communication gap on your end (and how to fix it). 31:48 - The Pivot Method: What great leaders do before they decide to fire a struggling team member. 35:15 - The Promotion Cheat Code: Why the real secret to moving up the corporate ladder happens after 5 PM. 45:41 - The NASCAR Secret: How General Mills saved millions by studying pit crews, and how you can steal ideas from outside your industry.

If you want to stop micromanaging and start building a team that actually thrives, this episode is for you.

If this episode helped you see a way out, hit the subscribe button so we can keep bringing you the frameworks you need to understand what's true, what matters now, and what's next:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw

Prefer audio? Stream here:

Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: https://uncommonteams.com/

Speakers on this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Todd Hanson | Guest Speaker Todd Hanson is the founder and inventor of Compass Carts, the innovative hitch hauler company taking social media by storm. Todd spent over two decades in corporate leadership at Wells Fargo, including an eight-year tenure as an AVP. He specializes in bridging the gap between big-business strategy and small-business agility. Whether he is facilitating large corporate trainings or managing a team of startup contractors, Todd's leadership philosophy is built on streamlining complex processes, asking the right questions, and empowering people to bring their unique expertise to the table. Connect with Todd Hanson: Website: compasscarts.com Email: ToddH@CompassCarts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddhanson1/ Michael Hunter | Host Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Using empathetic, human-centric frameworks, Michael guides leaders to build authentic teams, cultivate resilience, and embody certainty. Work with Michael if you want to stop simply surviving their daily challenges and start leading with ease: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ Newsletter: https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/ Read the book: https://uncommonteams.com/resilient-leader-workbook/ Work with Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/

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Why are so many tech startups struggling even after hitting their quarterly goals? In this episode, I, Michael Hunter, invite Radhika Dutt, an MIT alum and the author of Radical Product Thinking, to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. Together, we debunk the classic Silicon Valley mantra: Build→Test → Learn →Scale The problem with the traditional goal-setting approach is that it often pulls teams away from the vision and legacy for which the business was originally built. To help lean startups make the difficult trade-offs between the things that keep the lights on versus the things that drive long-term growth, we offer: * An actionable framework to map Long-Term Vision vs. Short-Term Survival decisions. * 3 questions that first-time founders must ask to make win-win decisions with certainty [ especially when data is overwhelming or incomplete] * The mindset that will help tech leaders sidestep the Silicon Valley trap. * The "3 O's" to help you navigate the uncomfortable problem space.

Key Moments 00:00 - Introduction to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast 01:32 - Getting to know Radhika Dutt [MIT Engineer, Author, Keynote Speaker ] 05:20 - The Myth of the "Poker-Faced" Leader 08:40 - Processed vs. Raw Emotion at Work 14:04 - How to Build Psychologically Safe Teams 17:32 - Why OKRs Can Be Misleading? 22:09- How to Write Vision Statements for Yourself and Your team 29:03 - The Vision vs. Survival Map: Making Hard Trade-Offs 36:36 - The 3-Question Framework for Win-Win Decisions 42:16 - How to Sidestep the Silicon Valley Trap? 50:57 - The Three O's for Leaders to Navigate the "Problem Space" 53:33 - Advice for Goal-Centric Leaders 57:50 - How to access Radhika Dutt's Puzzle Setting & Puzzle Solving Toolkit If this episode helped you see a way out, hit the subscribe button so we can keep bringing you the frameworks you need to understand what's true, what matters now, and what's next: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw And before you click away—send this episode to one founder or product leader you know who is burning out trying to hit the wrong targets. Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: https://uncommonteams.com/ Speakers on this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Radhika Dutt | Guest Speaker Radhika Dutt, an MIT graduate, is an entrepreneur, consultant, and speaker who helps organizations move away from traditional metric-obsessed cultures to innovate smarter. Radhika brings profound technical and strategic expertise to the leadership space, having participated in five successful acquisitions—two of which were companies she founded. She is the author of the book Radical Product Thinking: The New Mindset for Innovating Smarter, which has been translated into Chinese and Japanese. She is currently working on her second book, which explores why traditional corporate goals and targets consistently backfire, and the actionable frameworks leaders should use instead. Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/radhika-dutt/ Free toolkit to apply the puzzle setting & solving methodology for leaders: https://www.radicalproduct.com/toolkit/#OHLToolkit Michael Hunter | Host Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Using empathetic, human-centric frameworks, Michael guides leaders to build authentic teams, cultivate resilience, and embody certainty. Work with Michael if you want to stop simply surviving their daily challenges and start leading with ease: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ * Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ * Newsletter: https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/ * Read the book: https://uncommonteams.com/resilient-leader-workbook/ * Work with Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/

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Are you expecting predictable outcomes in a non-deterministic world? When you are a tech leader, your instinct is to rely on systems and logic to drive results. But when an organizational change stalls, your team resists a new direction, or you find yourself exhausted by constant pivots—logic alone won't bridge the gap. In fact, ignoring the fundamental physics of human systems is one of the most expensive operational mistakes a company can make. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I, Michael Hunter, sit down with Dr. Garrick Villaume. With a Ph.D. in High-Energy Physics and three decades of experience scaling tech operations from clean-tech startups to Fortune 100 enterprises, Garrick knows exactly what it takes to orchestrate complex systemic transformations. In this conversation, we explore concepts like: * The P3 Framework * How to stop fighting the essential process of change * Why letting change happen to you is a recipe for failure * How to identify what you can actually control to reduce burnout and navigate uncertainty

Episode Chapters 0:00 Welcome to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast 2:22 The Power of Bringing Your Authentic Self to Work 6:13 The Cost of Hiding Your True Identity at Work 14:06 Why Every Business Problem is a People Problem 16:41 The P3 Framework 21:34 The True Essence of Tech Innovation 26:05 Limiting Case Analysis & Navigating Command-and-Control 35:30 Why Teams Resist Change 36:44 How to bring about the Change you want to see 38:13 Computable vs. Uncomputable Variables in Leadership 41:42 Business Value of the P3 Framework 52:00 Process of managing complex systems 57:11 Final Advice for Tech Leaders If you are a leader who excels at systems but struggles with the messy reality of managing uncertainty, this episode is exactly what you need to lead with certainty and ease. Subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast for weekly conversations on navigating the complexity of human systems at work. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Brought to you by Uncommon Teams About the Speakers Dr. Garrick Villaume | Guest Speaker With a Ph.D. in High-Energy Physics and three decades of experience scaling technical operations from clean-tech startups to Fortune 100 enterprises, Dr. Villaume bridges the gap between complex science and human enterprise. He applies complexity science to technology management, innovating processes and building systemic intelligence for teams navigating the unknown. Connect with * Work with Dr. Garrick:https://www.linkedin.com/company/psi-593946412/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrickvillaume/

Michael Hunter | Podcast Host Michael Hunter is an Executive Coach, Consultant, and Author of The Resilient Tech Leader. With over three decades of experience at companies like Microsoft and Salesforce, his career has followed a simple progression: he started by debugging code, spent years debugging teams, and now helps leaders learn how to debug themselves. He helps analytical tech leaders navigate the quiet complexity of their organizations, proving that the most important systems in tech aren't written in code—they're written in people. Connect with Michael Hunter: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ * Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ * Newsletter: https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/ * Read the book: https://uncommonteams.com/resilient-leader-workbook/ * Work with Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/

#TechLeadership #SystemicIntelligence #ComplexSystems #UncommonLeadershipPodcast #MichaelHunter

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Are you trying to solve human problems with spreadsheets and logic? When you are an analytical leader in the tech space, your instinct is to rely on data. But when a project stalls, a client becomes contentious, or your top performers start disengaging—no amount of logic or data will fix the friction. In fact, ignoring the squishy emotional reality of your team is one of the most expensive operational mistakes a company can make. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I, Michael Hunter, sit down with Melissa Franks—Founder of On Call COO. As someone who has successfully managed $100M+ portfolios and led major global transformations for Fortune 100 companies, Melissa knows exactly what it takes to scale an organization. Her secret? Operationalizing empathy. In this conversation, Melissa and I give our two cents on concepts like: * How to stop fighting your team's human nature and start leveraging it * A framework for diffusing high-conflict meetings * How to build an internal Executive Council to make better intuitive decisions * And why retaining your team by aligning them with their innate strengths is the ultimate growth strategy

Episode Chapters 0:00 Welcome to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast 4:10 How to Be Vulnerable (Without Oversharing) 6:15 The Strengths Audit: Are You in the Right Role? 7:30 The Same Side of the Table Strategy for Conflict Resolution 11:15 How to Stop Micromanaging 14:45 How to Trust Your Gut When Making Decisions 21:20 Why Soft Skills Are the Best Cost-Saving Measure 26:15 How to Tell if You Need a Career Pivot 31:30 The Management Myth: Why It's Like Becoming a Parent 36:10 The Corporate Ladder vs. The Career Jungle Gym 41:45 Closing Advice for Tech Executives If you are a leader who excels at systems but struggles with the messy reality of managing people, this episode is exactly what you need to lead with ease. Subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast for weekly conversations on navigating the complexity of human systems at work. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Brought to you by Uncommon Teams -- About the speakers Melissa Franks | Guest Speaker Melissa Franks is the Founder of On Call COO and an experienced Technology and Operations Executive. Formerly the COO of Allianz Technology of America, she has successfully managed $100M+ portfolios, led global mergers, and guided major organizational changes. Today, she helps CEOs clear obstacles, align their teams, and grow sustainably without burning out their top talent. Connect with Melissa Franks * Website: https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservices * Work with Melissa: https://www.melissafranks.com/contact * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissafranks/

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It is easy to spend an entire career in tech scaling products, hitting deadlines, and climbing the ladder-- only to wake up one day feeling completely misaligned. Your body starts keeping score. You experience burnout. Self-sabotage. And the quiet realization that you are leading in a system that wasn't built for who you truly are. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, Michael Hunter sits down with Dr. Patrick Farran, Founder of Ad Lucem Group, TEDx speaker, and expert in organizational transformation, to discuss the profound difference between simply managing a team and leaving a lasting legacy. Drawing from deeply personal stories, including the inspiring resilience of his father, an iconic teacher who transformed a devastating injury into a lifelong calling, Patrick unpacks how leaders can navigate the chaos of modern business by rooting themselves in purpose. This conversation moves beyond standard management advice to explore: * the emotional, human core of our careers * decoding the signals your intuition is sending you * how to map out what truly brings you fulfillment * and how to create a work environment where both you and your team can lead authentically.

Episode Chapters 0:00 - Introduction: Welcome to Uncommon Leadership 1:45 - The Power of Legacy 8:30 - Victor Frankl, CrossFit, and the Power of Knowing Your Why 12:15 - How to Recognize Career Misalignment 15:40 - The Map of Meaningful Work (or How to Find Fulfillment at Work) 22:10 - Creating a User Manual for Your Leadership Style 27:50 - Appreciative Inquiry: Solving Problems with an Abundance Mindset 34:20 - The Magic Question That Unlocks Team Possibility 37:45 - The Ultimate Alignment Exercise If you are a highly analytical leader feeling the friction of a purposeless grind, this episode will give you the tools to step out of the chaos, reconnect with your why, and unleash the Uncommon Hero you already are. Subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast for weekly conversations on navigating the quiet complexity of human systems at work. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Brought to you by Uncommon Teams About the speakers Patrick Farran | Guest Speaker Patrick Farran, Ph.D., is the Founder and CEO of Ad Lucem Group, a TEDx Speaker, and co-author of The Intentional Executive. With 25+ years of experience across Fortune 100s and startups—and an academic background teaching at Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business—Patrick bridges the gap between organizational strategy and human engagement. He helps tech leaders and executives navigate complex change, overcome resistance, and achieve breakthrough results through values-driven, strengths-based leadership. Connect with Patrick & Ad Lucem Group: * Website: adlucemgroup.com * Read the Book: The Intentional Executive * Free Resource: Download the "Succeed From Day One" Executive Guide * Assess Your Team: Take the Peak Performance Assessment

Work with Patrick: Schedule a Free Executive Strategy Session Michael Hunter | Podcast Host

Michael Hunter is an Executive Coach, Consultant, and Author of The Resilient Tech Leader. With over three decades of experience at companies like Microsoft and Salesforce, his career has followed a simple progression: he started by debugging code, spent years debugging teams, and now helps leaders learn how to debug themselves. He helps analytical tech leaders navigate the quiet complexity of their organizations, proving that the most important systems in tech aren't written in code—they're written in people. Connect with Michael Hunter: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ * Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ * Newsletter: https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/ * Read the book: https://uncommonteams.com/resilient-leader-workbook/ * Work with Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/

#michaelhunter #uncommonteams #leadership #podcast

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As a leader (especially in tech), you're constantly expected to have every answer, fix every issue, and carry the full weight of decisions. But what if you don't need to solve every problem or know everything to lead effectively? Real leadership means recognizing when questions reveal deeper issues, using vulnerability to ease tension, and encouraging your people to find their own solutions. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I, Michael Hunter, talk with Oksana Kovalchuk — Founder & CEO of ANODA (a top-rated UX design agency recognized by Clutch in 2025) — who started coding at age 5, survived big outsourcing giants, and built her own agency where connection beats rigid control. Together, we dive into: * The mirror neurons hack * How to avoid the "fix everything" trap * The golden rule that reshapes hiring and organization culture * Why life is too short for bad UX and relationships

More than just theories — these are hard-won lessons from people who've faced the full storm of tech growth, team friction, and founder weight, and come through with greater ease and authenticity. If you're a founder, tech leader, or anyone building teams who feels the weight of having to know/fix it all, this episode offers uncommon insights that make you rethink your current leadership style. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro 00:45 – Introducing the guest: Oksana Kovalchuk 01:08 – Integrating your whole self into your leadership style 12:50 – Why Leaders Don't Need to Solve Every Problem 14:30 – The Discount Method 17:00 – Pushing Teams to Become Leaders 19:20 – Vision, Strategy & the Founder's Role 26:51 – Vulnerability & Mirror Neurons to Reduce Stress 50:59 – When Silly Questions Signal a Deeper Problem 56:26 – How to Connect with Oksana + 10% Discount Offer 57:53 – Closing Thoughts: Life Is Too Short for Bad UX Tune in now: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Brought to you by Uncommon Teams Speaker Bios Michael Hunter Michael Hunter is the host of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast and the founder of Uncommon Teams. He works with leaders to align personal fulfillment with business success, building authentic, resilient teams that thrive amid complexity. Through conversations that explore vulnerability, adaptability, and human-centered leadership, Michael helps professionals move beyond surviving challenges to truly flourishing. Connect with Michael Hunter: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ * Read more about his work: https://uncommonteams.com/ * The Resilient Tech Leader: https://uncommonteams.com/resilient-leader-workbook/ * Work with Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/

Oksana Kovalchuk Oksana Kovalchuk, Founder & CEO of ANODA (Top UX Design Agency by Clutch 2025), brings 18+ years of software development and UI/UX leadership. Oksana specializes in elevating startups — helping them focus on strategy while building remarkable digital products and high-performing teams through measured, human-centered design. Connect with Oksana Kovalchuk: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oksanakovalchuk/ * Read more about his work: https://www.anoda.mobi/ * Work with Oksana Kovalchuk: https://cal.com/anoda/anoda-linkedin-meeting

[ Oksana Kovalchuk is generously offering the Uncommon Leadership community 10% off her services for first-time clients. Use the code UNCOMMON2025 to start your journey with Anoda today!]

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In a world where the old playbooks no longer apply — where artificial intelligence is reshaping how we think, work, and lead — what is the real competitive advantage for a tech organization?

It's not more data. It's not a better tech stack. It's emotional clarity. Because in a world where no one has the full answers, certainty is an illusion. And the leaders who thrive aren't the ones with all the answers — they're the ones who can discern. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Gila Lee Adato — attorney, AI leadership advisor, and founder of Glowbal AI — to explore what it means to lead from inner authority in an era of exponential disruption. Episode Breakdown: * Why the loudest voice in your head is often not your wisest one * The difference between external advice and inner authority * How does quietly compartmentalizing yourself at work drain energy * Why fear is often biology — not real danger * The hidden cost of outsourcing your decisions * What decision sovereignty actually looks like in leadership * How to partner with AI without losing your identity * Why clarity, not certainty, is the modern-day leadership advantage

If you're a founder, executive, or high-performing professional navigating uncertainty, identity shifts, or the rise of AI, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership itself. Because maybe the real work isn't adapting to change. It's learning how to choose — consciously. And maybe even have some fun along the way. Tune in now! Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange Meet the Speakers Gila Lee Adato Gila Lee Adato is the Founder of Glowbal AI and a mentor to visionary leaders navigating the intersection of artificial intelligence, identity, and human potential. An attorney with a deep corporate and regulatory background, Gila has spent over a decade operating at executive levels — including serving as General Counsel, COO, and CCO — advising organizations through complexity, compliance, and large-scale transformation. Today, she works with founders, high-performing professionals, and forward-thinking leaders who know AI isn't just another productivity tool — but a force for clarity, creativity, and enduring legacy. She is also the creator of the AI for Leaders Summit Series and host of a weekly radio show exploring the future of AI, leadership, and human expansion. Connect with Gila Lee Adato: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilaleeadato/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilaleeadato/?hl=en Website: https://glowbalai.com/ Michael Hunter Michael Hunter is the founder of Uncommon Teams, where he partners with technology leaders and founding teams to build organizations that achieve meaningful results with clarity, confidence, and resilience. With more than three decades in technology and leadership, Michael's work sits at the intersection of human potential, organizational effectiveness, and sustainable performance. Through coaching, facilitation, and advisory work, he helps leaders create uncommon teams — environments where authenticity, trust, and adaptability enable both business success and personal fulfillment. Michael is also the host of the Uncommon Leadership podcast and author of The Resilient Tech Leader, where he explores how leaders can move beyond survival and cultivate cultures that thrive amid constant change. Connect with Michael Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ Book: https://uncommonteams.com/the-resilient-tech-leader/ [ Self-Trust, Identity Integration, and Leading Consciously in the Age of AI, Tech vs. Touch, Decision Sovereignty, Fear vs biology, Inner knowing vs External noise, Uncommon Leadership Podcasts, Michael Hunter, Resilient Tech Leader, Gila Lee Adato, Glowbal AI, Leaders Summit Series]

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Early in his career, Jordan Stone sat in a consulting workshop where the idea of a work self and a home self was presented as normal. The premise made sense on paper. But something about it felt off. Why should the experiences, preferences, and perspectives that shape who we are outside of work suddenly become irrelevant once we step into it? As Jordan's career progressed, he saw firsthand how the parts of people that didn't neatly fit into job descriptions often produced the most meaningful outcomes. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, Michael Hunter and Jordan Stone explore what happens when leaders move beyond the idea of a work self and instead create environments where people can show up as whole humans — carrying their curiosity, energy, experiences, and aspirations into the work. Bringing your whole self to work is not a personal preference—it is a leadership decision. One that influences how trust forms, how teams collaborate, how cultures evolve, and how organizations create meaningful outcomes for both employees and customers. What begins as a question about identity becomes a deeper exploration of connection, energy, and the shared work of building teams where people can do their best work as themselves. Tune in now to explore how you can create environments where trust, energy, and performance grow together. Inside the Episode: * Why the idea of a work self is limiting * A powerful reframing of strengths as sources of energy rather than capability * How ways-of-working conversations help teams understand and trust each other * How onboarding, documentation, and early connections shape culture as teams scale * How transparency builds resilience during uncertainty and change * Why the future value of engineers lies in collaborative problem solving

Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange Meet the Speakers Jordon Stone Jordon Stone is Vice President of Engineering at Paytient, a growth-stage startup focused on making healthcare more accessible and affordable. Jordan has a decade worth of experience leading product, platform, security, and infrastructure teams across startups, digital agencies, and large publicly traded organizations. Jordan focuses on scaling platforms, aligning technology with business outcomes, and building engineering organizations where great technology amplifies people and growth. Connect with Jordon Stone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanmstone/ Website: https://www.paytient.com/ Michael Hunter Michael Hunter is the founder of Uncommon Teams, where he partners with technology leaders and founding teams to build organizations that achieve meaningful results with clarity, confidence, and resilience. With more than three decades in technology and leadership, Michael's work sits at the intersection of human potential, organizational effectiveness, and sustainable performance. Through coaching, facilitation, and advisory work, he helps leaders create uncommon teams — environments where authenticity, trust, and adaptability enable both business success and personal fulfillment. Michael is also the host of the Uncommon Leadership podcast and author of The Resilient Tech Leader, where he explores how leaders can move beyond survival and cultivate cultures that thrive amid constant change. Connect with Michael Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ Book: https://uncommonteams.com/the-resilient-tech-leader/ [whole self leadership, authentic leadership, workplace culture, psychological safety, employee engagement, team design, engineering leadership, leadership presence, human-centered leadership, resilient teams, uncommon leadership]

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Leadership isn't defined by title or authority. It's revealed in presence — how you listen, how you respond, and how your behavior shapes the space around you. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, Michael Hunter sits down with Mary Kennedy Thompson, CEO of BNI, for a thoughtful conversation on what it really means to lead. From an early Marine Corps lesson that reshaped her understanding of service to leading global teams today, Mary reflects on leadership as a lifelong practice grounded in curiosity, authenticity, and care. Together, they explore how leaders create environments where people can speak up, grow beyond comfort, and feel inspired to bring their whole selves to work. Because leadership isn't just what you say. It's the culture you create — and the shadow you cast. What you'll hear in this episode: • The Marine Corps moment that transformed Mary's understanding of leadership • Why great leaders communicate with a standard of being direct, kind, and transparent • A simple presence practice that shifts how leaders show up • The difference between safe and comfortable workplaces — and why it matters • How leaders create alignment while still honoring the whole person at work • The powerful idea that every leader casts a shadow through their behavior Tune in for a conversation on presence, trust, and the quiet work of becoming a leader others want to follow. Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange Speaker Bios Mary Kennedy Thompson Mary Kennedy Thompson is the CEO of BNI, the world's largest business networking and referral organization. Her career has been grounded in helping leaders unlock their full potential — a path that began in the U.S. Marine Corps and evolved through entrepreneurship, franchising, and global leadership. A lifelong student of leadership for more than 40 years, Mary believes that leading with joy, authenticity, and purpose creates stronger teams and better results. She has led multiple high-growth organizations and continues to champion collaboration, trust, and impact across the global business community. Connect with Mary Kennedy Thompson: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-thompson-cfe-22074410/

Michael Hunter Michael, the founder of Uncommon Teams, journeys alongside tech leaders to uncover the invisible dynamics that block quality, stall change, and quietly drain energy from their teams. He helps heads of people solve culture puzzles that are subtle, systemic, and deeply human. When you work with Michael, you get a chance to unlock the heroic leadership within you and your team—and often recover parts of yourselves that may have gotten a little lost along the way. Michael started out debugging code. Then he debugged people. Now he helps people debug themselves. Because the most powerful upgrade isn't in your tech stack—it's in you. Connect with Michael Hunter: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ * Read more about his work: https://uncommonteams.com/

[leadership, psychological safety, conscious leadership, workplace culture, leadership influence, purpose driven leadership, human centered leadership, how to inspire teams, uncommon leaders, Michael Hunter, Mary Kennedy Thompson, BNI]

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The most expensive thing in your business isn't your tech stack.

It's the message you haven't shared with your team because you're waiting to speak up.

In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I, Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, sit down with Everett O'Keefe—international bestselling author and founder of Ignite Press—for a conversation about the intersection of innovation, authority, and the moral duty to speak up.

Everett has helped hundreds of experts find their voice, and he's seen firsthand how the status quo doesn't just stall companies—it drains the life out of the people leading them.

From the Penguin Theory of resonance to the seven words that kill team creativity, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who is tired of leaving their whole self at the door.

Who This Episode Is For?

Tech Leaders who feel their team has traded innovation for following the rules.
Founders who feel the heavy pressure of having to be the Savior every single day.
Managers who are tired of doing everything right while their team's energy quietly drains away.
Aspiring Authors who are afraid their message has already been said by someone better.

Tune in now to fully understand the human side of high-performance teams and leadership.

Core Takeaway:

Leadership doesn't improve when you defend the past.

It transforms when you have the courage to question it—and the humility to realize that your "messy" truth is exactly what your team needs to hear.

Was this conversation worth your time?

If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series.

Get notified on YouTube-

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw

Prefer audio? Stream here:

Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165

Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj

Presented By: UncommonChange

Speaker Bios

Everett O'Keefe

Everett is a dad, husband, and most recently a granddad. He is also an international #1 bestselling author and the founder of Ignite Press. Everett has helped more than 200 people become published bestselling authors, and he has a heart for helping people share their message with the world.

The winner of multiple awards, including the Publish and Profit Award for Excellence in Publishing and the Top Gun Consulting Award, Everett is sought out as a speaker, coach, and consultant by authors and marketing experts worldwide. He helps clients become recognized experts in their fields so they can focus on their own areas of giftedness.

Connect with Everett O'Keefe:

Website: https://ignitepress.us/

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

Michael Hunter

Michael, the founder of Uncommon Teams, journeys alongside tech leaders to uncover the invisible dynamics that block quality, stall change, and quietly drain energy from their teams. He helps heads of people solve culture puzzles that are subtle, systemic, and deeply human.

When you work with Michael, you get a chance to unlock the heroic leadership within you and your team—and often recover parts of yourselves that may have gotten a little lost along the way. Michael started out debugging code. Then he debugged people. Now he helps people debug themselves.

Because the most powerful upgrade isn't in your tech stack—it's in you.

Connect with Michael Hunter:

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

Read more about his work: https://uncommonteams.com

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What if I told you that all those technical problems keeping you up at night—missed dates, buggy releases, burnout—are actually just symptoms of a team that doesn't feel safe enough to tell the truth. Hi! This is Michael Hunter, and I've spent over 35 years debugging code. Today, I help CEOs, founding teams, and heads of people debug themselves and identify those hidden patterns that are stalling growth and success. And I've learned that the code is usually the easy part. The hard part is the squishy stuff: the silence in the meeting room, the fear of speaking up, and the dangerous confusion between being nice and being kind. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Elisabeth Hendrickson, Founder at Curious Duck Digital Laboratory, to dismantle the biggest myth in software leadership: you can fix a delivery problem without fixing the human dynamics first. Episode Breakdown: * Technical problems are almost never only technical problems * Real trust isn't built by forcing people to bring their whole selves to work. It's built by respecting boundaries and letting people choose what to share. * It only takes one person to name the elephant in the room. Once named, the fear dissolves, and the team can actually go from pretending to solving. * Learn to be Kind not Nice. Nice is selfish—it's about protecting your comfort by avoiding conflict. Kind is selfless—it's about protecting the team by addressing the hard truth before it causes failure. * Self-Reflection as a leader helps you respond to situations instead of simply reacting.

So, are you ready to debug your leadership? For more insights on human-centric tech leadership, subscribe to Michael Hunter's Uncommon Leadership Podcast. Click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Or sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: Uncommon Change [Psychological Safety, Engineering Culture, Toxic Positivity, Socio-Technical Systems, Artificial Harmony, Elisabeth Hendrickson, Michael Hunter, Uncommon Teams, Uncommon Leadership] #PsychologicalSafety #TechLeadership #UncommonTeams #MichaelHunter #EngineeringCulture #DebugTheTeam About the Speakers Elisabeth Hendrickson As the Founder of Curious Duck Digital Laboratory, Elisabeth Hendrickson helps software organizations deliver better software, faster. With a career rooted in software testing and quality engineering, Elisabeth stands out as a compassionate leader with an expertise in diagnosing those human problems that often masquerade as technical blockers. By combining one-on-one coaching with strategic group work, she transforms friction-filled environments into high-performing, inclusive cultures where it is safe to speak the truth. Connect with Elisabeth Hendrickson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/testobsessed/ Michael Hunter Drawing from his experience working with tech leaders across six continents—from tiny startups to mega-corps, Michael Hunter partners with tech leaders to uncover the invisible dynamics that block quality, stall change, and quietly drain energy from their teams. With a unique career path that evolved from debugging code to debugging people, Michael now empowers individuals to debug themselves. He guides them, whether it's in leveling up decision-making or deepening their relationship with their inner selves. Michael's mission is to help leaders, CEOs, and founding teams unlock the heroic leadership and recover parts of themselves that may have gotten a little lost along the way. Connect with Michael Hunter: Website: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/

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Why do we treat joy or happiness as a reward? Something we're allowed to feel only after the sprint is over, or the code is shipped, or the crisis is averted. When we cut out joy to focus solely on getting it done, we trigger a dangerous biological shift called predatory aggression—a state where our doer brain takes over, shutting down curiosity, connection, and empathy. The very emotions we need to survive the storm and be truly resilient. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Roundtable, we explore the true ROI of Joy. Our expert panel brings decades of experience from the technical trenches to the executive boardroom to underscore the hard-hitting reality of leading as a human being rather than a title. In this podcast, you'll discover that resilience and joy are two sides of the same coin–you cannot have a high-performing system without the "habits of joy" that make the struggle meaningful. Your takeaways from the conversation: * Profluence over Endurance: Understand that resilience isn't about standing still and taking hits. It's about profluence—the steady, joyous momentum of moving the story forward. * The Predatory Aggression Trap: Why extreme focus can trigger a biological shift where curiosity and empathy get the axe. * The joy of Delegating: Why holding onto tasks that drain you isn't being a hero—it's joy-hoarding. * The Resilience Paradox: Difficulty isn't a bug; it's a requirement. How the hardest challenges are the prerequisite for the greatest celebrations. * The 5 R's of Play: How being resourceful, responsible, respectful, resilient, and real settles a chaotic system like a glitter jar coming to rest.

Tune in now to reclaim the ROI of joy and lead with momentum that actually lasts. Meet the Panel of Speakers Tim Ottinger Agile coach and Extreme Programming expert known for bringing curiosity, creativity, and human-centered thinking into software delivery. Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/agileotter/ Portia Tung Portia helps leaders reclaim their innate "Play Intelligence" to transform rigid corporate structures into living, breathing systems of excellence. Connect:linkedin.com/in/portiatung/ Melissa Boyle As the Global CTO at LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions, Melissa shares the grace and grit of being a Human CTO, letting go of the "God" title to empower her teams to be their authentic selves. Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-boyle/ Jeff Langr Langr is a software developer, coach, mentor, trainer, author, and a leader. In a world increasingly driven by AI, Jeff advocates for a "Human-First" approach to technology. Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefflangr/ Matthew Carlson Carlson is the CEO at Aquanta Inc. and a systems designer who specializes in building organizations that align with how humans actually work. He views relationship-building and staff sponsorship as the essential infrastructure for a resilient, joy-filled culture. Connect : https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewrcarlson/ Meet Your Host Michael Hunter Michael Hunter went from debugging code to debugging people—and now helps people debug themselves. Through the Uncommon Leadership Podcast and his work with tech leaders, he explores the invisible cultural and emotional dynamics that stall change and drain teams. His work focuses on resilience, joy, clarity, and leading with the whole self. Read more:https://uncommonteams.com/ Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, give us a thumbs up and subscribe so you don't miss future episodes. For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter athttps://uncommonteams.com Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: Uncommon Change

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For many tech leaders—especially the neurodivergent—success often feels like a performance. You mirror the behaviors you see, fit ourselves into neurotypical boxes, and pay for it with our mental and physical health. But leadership doesn't have to be a grind. When you stop fighting your own wiring and start leveraging your Pattern Recognition Engine, you don't just work faster—you work with Cognitive Ease. In this episode of Uncommon Leadership Podcast, Michael Hunter sits down with neurodivergent executive coach and researcher Rita Ramakrishnan to debug the Masking Tax and introduce a new operating system for leadership: Cognitive Ease. What's Waiting For You Inside the Episode? * A startling reality—your manager has more impact on your mental health than your therapist or your partner. We discuss how to use this influence as leadership telemetry, not a burden of guilt. * How to stop reacting on the dance floor of daily fires and step onto the balcony to see the patterns. This is the core of Choice Architecture. * How to stop decoding your workplace and start co-creating it. We talk about the simple, 10-minute conversations to integrate your team's collective intelligence. * Energy Mapping: How to identify the Special Sauce in your day—the moments that leave you energized instead of depleted.

Whether you are navigating ADHD, the autism spectrum, or simply the overwhelming complexity of modern business, this conversation is your guide to reclaiming your peace and your power. Loved this? Continue binging. Watch new episodes of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Or sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: Uncommon Change #NeurodivergentLeadership #ADHDLeadership #AutismInTech #CognitiveEase #RitaRamakrishnan #UncommonLeadership #MichaelHunter #UncommonTeams #UncommonHero About the Speakers Rita Ramakrishnan Rita Ramakrishnan is an executive neurodivergent coach, team coach and facilitator, and researcher at UPenn dedicated to neurodivergent success factors. As the founder of Iksana Consulting, she helps leaders dismantle the "masking tax" and achieve cognitive ease through a strengths-based lens. Rita is dedicated to empowering high-performers to lead with authenticity, peace, and systemic resilience. Connect with Rita Ramakrishnan : LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaram/ Website: https://www.iksana.com/ Michael Hunter Drawing from his experience working with tech leaders across six continents—from tiny startups to mega-corps, Michael Hunter partners with tech leaders to uncover the invisible dynamics that block quality, stall change, and quietly drain energy from their teams. He helps leaders unlock the heroic leadership within them and their teams—and often recover parts of themselves that may have gotten a little lost along the way. Connect with Michael Hunter: Website: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/

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You cannot separate your numbers from your nervous system. When you operate from a "hijacked" state—driven by financial pasts, debt snowballs, or "rich but empty" milestones—you're driving on the rough shoulder of the road. You're wrecking your suspension (your health and relationships) and wondering why the journey feels like a grind. Success without joy is neither an achievement nor joyful. It's just a "leaky container" waiting to drain your energy. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I, Michael Hunter, am joined by Julie Murphy, a financial healer and the president of JMC Wealth, with over 25 years of experience. Julie moves past the corporate "theatre" of finance to help you align your "internal tech stack" with the life you actually want to live. In this episode, we walk you through the PACT process to reclaim your financial and personal energy: * Picturing & Accepting: How to stop the "shame and blame" cycle and create a neutral map of your current reality. * The Nervous System Upgrade: Why you can't manifest success with a contracted nervous system * Financial Offense: Move from being managed by debt to becoming your own bank by redirecting payments into your own future. * The Alignment Track: Why embodied culture and personal authenticity outperform generic "values-on-posters" in every facet of life and business.

If you're ready to start uncovering the invisible dynamics that are holding your team—and your wealth—back, grab a seat. Let's talk. If you're here to learn more about self-alignment, authentic leadership, and recognizing patterns of the past that are stalling change, please subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast today! https://www.youtube.com/@UncommonLeadershipPodcast Sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: Uncommon Change [Tech Leadership, Building Real Wealth, Success & Sustainability, Financial Alignment, Executive Burnout, Julie Murphy, Michael Hunter, Uncommon Leadership, Career Alignment, Authentic Leadership] #UncommonLeadership #FinancialHealing #UncommonLeadership #TechLeadership #WealthAlignment About the Speakers Julie Murphy Julie Murphy is a Chicago‑based certified financial planner and the president of JMC Wealth Management. Often referred to as a "financial healer," she focuses on the intersection of money, emotions, and spiritual alignment to help individuals achieve what she calls "Real Wealth." She is the author of several influential books, including Awaken Your Wealth and The Emotion Behind Money, which guide readers in transforming their subconscious beliefs and relationship with finances. Connect with Julie Murphy : Website: https://juliemurphy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliemariemurphy/ Michael Hunter Drawing from his experience working with tech leaders across six continents—from tiny startups to mega-corps, Michael Hunter partners with tech leaders to uncover the invisible dynamics that block quality, stall change, and quietly drain energy from their teams. He helps leaders unlock the heroic leadership within them and their teams—and often recover parts of themselves that may have gotten a little lost along the way. Connect with Michael Hunter: Website: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/

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If you see your team stalling, projects dragging, and an invisible friction you can't quite name—this podcast is for you.

When tech leaders feel a gap between expectations and outcomes, their first natural response is often to withdraw or try to fix the situation with more rules and processes. And without even realizing it, that distance creates a cycle of silence. Your team begins to play it safe, hiding the very "human data" you need to actually move forward. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I, Michael Hunter, am joined by Henry Suryawirawan—an engineering leader whose journey through companies like Google Cloud and ThoughtWorks has given him a front-row seat to the invisible dynamics of high-performing teams. Together, we explore ways to move past the corporate "performance" to look at how a few intentional leadership shifts can dissolve that friction and get things moving again. We'll walk through three practical paths to reclaim your team's energy: * How to build quiet, genuine confidence through small, low-pressure experiments that allow you to lead as your true self. * Learn how to treat rejection and uncertainty simply as "useful data." By shifting your perspective, you can navigate the messiness of leadership with less personal stress and more clarity. * We break down the simple, everyday actions that help your team feel seen and supported, turning a "stalled" environment into one where people feel safe enough to be brilliant again. * We explore why leader‑led, embodied culture outperforms values‑on‑posters in hiring, retention, and delivery.

If you're ready to stop faking culture and start uncovering the invisible dynamics that are holding your team back, tune in now. For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: Uncommon Change About the Speakers Henry Suryawirawan Henry Suryawirawan is Head of Engineering at LXA, an engineering leader, cloud advocate, and LinkedIn Top Voice, as well as the host of Tech Lead Journal, a podcast on technical leadership and excellence. He has nearly two decades of experience across fintech, cloud, government, banking, and consulting, with a deep focus on high‑performing engineering teams. Connect with Henry Suryawirawan : Website: https://links.henrysuryawirawan.com LinkedIn: Henry Suryawirawan Tech Lead Journal podcast: https://techleadjournal.dev Michael Hunter Drawing from his experience working with tech leaders across six continents—from tiny startups to mega-corps, Michael Hunter partners with tech leaders to uncover the invisible dynamics that block quality, stall change, and quietly drain energy from their teams. He helps leaders unlock the heroic leadership within them and their teams—and often recover parts of themselves that may have gotten a little lost along the way. Connect with Michael Hunter: Website: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/

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Tech leaders are struggling because they're carrying too much— too much pressure to have answers, too much responsibility for outcomes, too little space to be human. And it's exhausting. In the latest episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I, Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, sit down with leadership and mindset coach Gary Montalvo for a deeply honest conversation about what actually blocks leaders from creating healthy teams, resilient cultures, and sustainable results. From his early days as a 22-year-old art director at Sony Music to building his own coaching practice, Gary reveals how success without authenticity led him to burnout and self-doubt—and how learning to "take yourself wherever you go" became his greatest breakthrough. ——— Inside this episode, we'll explore: * Why most leadership struggles are identity challenges—not skill gaps * How "being liked" can silently undermine accountability and growth * The difference between authenticity and emotional oversharing * Why reframing experience changes how you lead under pressure * How leaders unintentionally recreate old survival strategies at work * How small internal shifts compound into cultural transformation

——— Who This Episode Is For * Founders who feel like the bottleneck in their own business * Tech leaders navigating growth, complexity, or burnout * Managers who are tired of "doing everything right" but still feel stuck * Anyone leading people through change without a clear map

Tune in now and follow the Uncommon Leadership Podcast for more conversations like this. ——— Core Takeaway Leadership doesn't improve when you try harder. It transforms when you become more honest—first with yourself, then with others. ——— Speaker Bios Gary Montalvo Gary Montalvo is a leadership and mindset coach with nearly 20+ years of experience helping solopreneurs, startups, and executives get unstuck and lead with confidence. Also a former CGO and host of The Ownership Game podcast, he combines real talk, practical strategy, and contagious energy to guide leaders through growth and transformation. Known for blending humility, humor, and accountability, Gary meets leaders where they are and challenges them to expand what's possible. Connect with Gary Montalvo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garymontalvo/ Michael Hunter Michael Hunter partners with tech leaders and founding teams to uncover the invisible cultural and emotional dynamics that quietly stall change, drain energy, and block quality. As the host of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, Michael explores what it really takes to lead with resilience, clarity, and integrity—especially in complex, high-pressure environments. His work helps leaders recover parts of themselves and their teams that may have gotten lost along the way, so they can lead with intention, ease, and impact. Because the most powerful upgrade isn't in your tech stack. It's in you. Connect with Michael Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Read more about his work: https://uncommonteams.com/ ——— [ Uncommon Leadership, Authentic Leadership, Tech Leadership, Founder Burnout, Culture Change, Psychological Safety, Accountability vs Approval, Human-Centered Leadership, Executive Coaching, Resilient Leadership, Leading Through Change, Uncommon Teams, Michael Hunter, Gary Montalvo] ——— Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange

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As leaders, we're taught to push through. Work harder. Focus longer. Stay disciplined. But what if resilience isn't built by endurance at all? What if it's shaped in the small, almost invisible moments—how teams reset, reconnect, and rehumanize their work before exhaustion sets in? In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Roundtable Podcast, Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams brings together a group of deeply respected practitioners to explore resilience not as a personal trait—but as a systemic capability. What unfolds is an honest, experience-driven conversation about how leaders, teams, and organizations either preserve or quietly drain energy through everyday choices. This isn't about wellness perks or productivity tricks. It's about how work actually feels—and what helps people stay clear, creative, and engaged in complex environments. In this conversation, you'll learn: * Why resilience is built through micro-resets, not heroic recovery * How short, intentional breaks unlock focus, creativity, and momentum * Why movement and breath restore emotional and cognitive clarity faster than pushing through * How joy, laughter, and human connection increase performance instead of distracting from it * What leaders unintentionally do that shuts down energy and initiative * Why vertical collaboration transforms trust, speed, and decision quality * How curiosity and play fuel sustainable excellence in complex systems * Why resilience must be designed into the system, not demanded from people

Resilience isn't about pushing harder—it's about creating conditions where people can recover, think, and adapt while doing the work. Meet the Panel of Speakers Paige Watson Technical coach and community mentor focused on building cohesive, high-performing engineering teams through quality-first practices. Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-is-xp/ Fortune Buchholtz Business agility practitioner and agile logician who blends systems thinking, emotional awareness, and facilitation to help teams build resilience and cognitive agility. Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fortune-buchholtz-40266229/ Johanna Rothman Author and pragmatic management consultant helping leaders and teams navigate change, collaboration, and adaptive product development. Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannarothman/ Tim Ottinger Agile coach and Extreme Programming expert known for bringing curiosity, creativity, and human-centered thinking into software delivery. Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agileotter/ Meet the Host Michael Hunter Michael Hunter went from debugging code to debugging people—and now helps people debug themselves. Through the Uncommon Leadership Podcast and his work with tech leaders, he explores the invisible cultural and emotional dynamics that stall change and drain teams. His work focuses on resilience, clarity, and leading with the whole self. Read more: https://uncommonteams.com/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, give us a thumbs up and subscribe so you don't miss future episodes. For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: Uncommon Change

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Most leaders believe their teams go quiet because people fear conflict, don't know what to say, or lack confidence. But that's almost never the real reason. In this episode of Uncommon Leadership, Keith Klain joins me to reveal a harder, more human truth: Teams go quiet when they stop trusting how honest their leaders will be with them. Keith shares the shift that transformed every organization he led—from global banks to fast-paced tech teams. When he stopped treating information as currency and started telling people the real "why" behind decisions, something remarkable happened: * People became more candid * Critical information finally flowed upward * Change stopped feeling like a threat * Attrition fell because people felt represented—not managed * Psychological safety grew because honesty wasn't rare anymore

This episode is a guide for leaders ready to move beyond performance optics and into real stewardship—the kind that earns loyalty, sharper thinking, and genuine collaboration. -- Your Key Learnings Through This Podcast * Why teams lose trust long before leaders notice * How withholding information quietly collapses decision quality * The difference between "managing" people and sponsoring them * Why transparency strengthens performance, not fragility * How to communicate honestly without overwhelming your team * Why people don't need all the details—they need clear intent

If you lead through change, complexity, or uncertainty, this episode will challenge how you show up—and elevate what your team believes is possible with you. -- About the Guest: Keith Klain Keith is a globally recognized QA and testing executive, director at KPMG UK, and past head of Barclays Global Test Center. He's known for building world-class teams, challenging outdated testing standards, and driving business-focused quality across industries. Keith's "Quality Remarks" podcast and writings have helped shape the next generation of tech leaders. Connect with Keith: LinkedIn: Keith Klain Knowledge stack: Quality Remarks About the Host: Michael Hunter Michael partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Further Exploration:https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ -- For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: Uncommon Change

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What if the real competitive advantage in your organization isn't your strategy or your technology— but the way you show up for your people when everything feels uncertain? In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I'm joined by Jim Carlough—a veteran healthcare executive, strategist, and author. Jim's journey spans from captaining sports teams in his youth to helping organizations find their footing again. Through every experience, Jim kept returning to the same anchors: persistence, focus, and a genuine responsibility to his team. And this became the heart of his leadership philosophy. At the heart of Jim's approach are his six pillars of leadership, with integrity as the foundation upon which everything else rests. Join in as Jim speaks about how he uses data, curiosity, humor, and empathy to recognize: * When people are struggling * Build trust during times of transition * And to help each person find the role—and the path—that genuinely fits who they are.

Grab a seat. Tune in now. About the Guest: Jim Carlough Jim is an accomplished business strategist, speaker, and author with over three decades of leadership experience in healthcare, from startups to industry leaders. He is known for building high‑performing teams and guiding organizations through transformational change while keeping people at the center. Connect with Jim: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jimcarlough About the Host: Michael Hunter Michael partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership. The best way to connect with Michael Hunter is on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ More from Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/ For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: Uncommon Change

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Are your teams holding back? Are they experimenting, speaking up, or taking risks when the stakes are high? If not, you're dealing with a problem that hasn't surfaced yet. And it's not a skill problem. Or a process problem. It's most likely a culture problem. When your people don't feel safe, they don't take risks. They hide their vulnerabilities. And in an environment like this, even your best talent stays silent — or quietly leaves. Hi there! Welcome back! I'm Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, and in this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I'm joined by Fortune Buchholtz—business agility specialist, fractional transformation leader, and AI-assisted agile logician. Together, we dive deep into the real impact of leadership on culture and business outcomes, exploring: * Why traditional command-and-control leadership slows innovation & velocity * How rewarded vulnerability can transform psychological safety into a strategic advantage * The invisible costs of a poor work culture [ high attrition rates / high talent acquisition costs] * How curiosity, transparency, and authenticity can lead to continuous improvement

If you're a CXO, founder, or senior leader looking to stop losing talent and trying to scale up with precision—this conversation is for you. Grab a seat. Hit play. Let's transform the way you show up for your people. — Meet the Speakers Fortune Buchholtz Buchholtz is a business agility specialist with more than 20 years of experience as a fractional transformation leader, AI-assisted agile logician, and certified Scrum Master. Her work lives at the intersection of human systems and technical precision, helping leaders cultivate clarity and trust in an increasingly complex world. She integrates TPS/Lean, agile, and systems thinking into organizations, unlocking continuous improvement at every level. Find Fortune Buchholtz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fortune-buchholtz-40266229/ Michael Hunter Michael Hunter, The Uncommon Hero, helps tech leaders unlock resilience, adaptability, and ease—without burnout. For over 35 years across six continents, he has partnered with engineering and people leaders at top companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau to retain and elevate talent, build human-centered leadership, and create cultures that support velocity and joy. Connect with Michael Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Read more about his work: https://uncommonteams.com/ Book a complimentary, no-obligation call: https://calendly.com/uncommonchange/first-contact — Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Subscribe and get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonTeams

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Why aren't your teams bringing you their best ideas? Why are they silent in meetings?

Most likely, they don't feel psychologically safe to speak up. Or they haven't connected with the real you yet.

If this sounds true for your team, your leadership approach is heading into isolation, and you are facing a quiet crisis. The good news is that it's not too late, and together—we can fix it!

Hi there! I'm Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, and welcome to another exciting episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. Joining me today is Rita Malvone, a renowned business performance expert and an executive coach.

Today, we're diving straight to the core issues of leadership: cultivating the right workplace culture, establishing true psychological safety, and building authentic relationships.

We'll also explore the philosophy of Chiropractic Leadership—the art of finding the small, authentic adjustments that create massive organizational transformation. Through this approach, leaders can slowly realign human connections to unlock team potential.

Because at the end of the day, culture isn't something you do or say. It's about whether your people are willing to express their opinions in a meeting.

Before you go: What's that one small, precise, authentic adjustment you'd like to make as a leader for lasting impact and growth?

Not sure? Grab a seat and hit play. Our work begins now.

What We Discuss: 01:04 Intros 04:43 The Work-Life Myth: Choosing Integration over Balance 14:41 The Tigers, Dolphins, and Owls Communication Framework 24:31 Humanizing the Distant CEO 31:32 Communication is about what the receiver receives 34:14 Reacting vs. Responding in Leadership 38:22 The Business Case for Safety 42:20 The "47th in Line" Promotion Story 49:59 The Culture Audit 01:07:39 The Leadership Shadow: Why Authenticity Must Be 24/7

In Conversation With: Rita Malvone A Certified DEI Professional and an ICF ACC coach, Rita is a New Yorker based in Shanghai, committed to driving impactful change through authentic communications. Drawing on her extensive corporate background, she guides industry leaders through corporate transformations, cultural alignment, and team effectiveness. Her notable work includes leading cultural integration for the Volkswagen Anhui NEV Hub and designing new leader programs for Airbus Greater China. Rita Malvone on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritamalvone/ Connect via email: rita@ritamalvone.com

Michael Hunter Michael Hunter went from debugging code to debugging people. Now he helps people debug themselves. As the host of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, Michael Hunter explores the why, how, and what of authentic leadership. He works primarily with tech leaders and founding teams, helping them navigate organizational chaos and change with resilience and grace. Connect with Michael Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Read more about his work: https://uncommonteams.com/

-- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw

Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange

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When 85% of medical practices in the USA shut their doors, Dr. Ravi Iyer, a Harvard-trained physician and human potential expert, became the last line of defense as he and his team kept theirs open. Dr. Iyer's mantra, all for one and one for all, led him to serve over 100,000 patients through the chaos and disruption caused by the pandemic. Hello and welcome to another fascinating episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast—I'm your host, Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams. Today, we are conversing with Dr. Iyer—one of the rare TED speakers whose talks were removed and reinstated twice—shares how his philosophy of attention, connection, and community helped his team thrive while others froze. His work reframes centuries-old wisdom through modern language, teaching leaders to move from reaction to observation, from narrative to presence, and from chaos to clarity. He reminds us that leadership isn't about control—it's about creating space. Space for others to expand, to feel safe, and to see possibilities they couldn't see before. If you're ready for the masterclass on gaining effortless mastery over chaos through empathy, this podcast is for you! Tune in today! -- Sneak-Peek into the Podcast Insights: * Integrate, don't separate. Real leadership is how you bring all of yourself into every moment. * Fear is the real virus. Managing emotions is the first step to managing a crisis. * Innovation isn't complex. It's immediate action born from attention and observation. * You are not your role or title. You are the awareness within which all stories unfold. * Five minutes of mindful perception daily can expand your calm, increase clarity, and heighten influence. * As your inner quiet grows, others feel safer, heard, and empowered to lead themselves.

-- Speaker Bios Dr. Ravi Iyer Dr. Ravi Iyer is a globally recognized iconoclast, a 3x TEDx Speaker, and a Harvard-trained physician/scientist, celebrated for his work in human potential and organizational transformation. His talks, including the viral "The Power of Intentional Focus," have racked up millions of views, positioning him as one of the most-viewed TEDx speakers of 2024. As a neurodiversity pioneer and AuDHD thought leader, Dr. Iyer has spent more than four decades driving transformation across organizations. He's also been recognized by Who's Who in America for reshaping corporate culture and influencing neuro-inclusive policies. Dr. Ravi Iyer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/driyermd/ Michael Hunter Michael Hunter went from debugging code to debugging people. Now he helps people debug themselves. As the host of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, Michael Hunter explores the why, how, and what of authentic leadership. He works primarily with tech leaders and founding teams, helping them navigate organizational chaos and change with resilience and grace. Connect with Michael Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Read more about his work: https://uncommonteams.com/ -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange

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A lot of leaders believe that they need to sacrifice themselves to stand out. But what if prioritizing yourself—your clarity, your energy, and your pace—is the most strategic thing you can do for your team as well as your organization? What if you had to be a little selfish? Putting on your oxygen mask before you rushed to help everyone else around you? Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. I'm your host, Michael Hunter, and today I'm honored to explore what it means to pause, reset, and focus on self with Lynn Juang, the founder of Frameworks Consulting. For two decades, Lynn has helped organizations translate their big vision into actionable frameworks and systems. Take a seat and join us as we dive deep into the paradox of modern leadership in this episode. From why selfishness is your strategy to why the act of pausing deliberately is the fastest way to sustainable growth—we truly break down what it means for a leader to find their pace. If you're someone who experiences overwhelm, chaos, or burnout, please don't miss out on this episode! -- Your Leadership Takeaways From This Episode: 1/ True clarity comes from knowing exactly when to push and when to pause, not just rushing forward. 2/ You cannot lead from an empty well. Practicing healthy selfishness is a great way to prevent burnout and build inner resilience. 3/ Learn to walk away from obsolete processes. Define the "why" for every process so that your team understands where they need to go and can find faster, better ways to get there. 4/ Learn simple, low-lift practices to build your "gut feeling" muscle—a game-changer for when you need to take accurate, high-stakes decisions. 5/ Always start with the Why. Gain context through conversations before making an assumption. Having open conversations about work [ and beyond] creates a psychologically safe environment—something your team needs to trust you and each other. -- Meet the Speakers Lynn Juang Juang is an award-winning creative leader, strategic consultant, and the founder of Frameworks Consulting. For over two decades, she has partnered with creative leaders, moving their biggest ideas from ambition to reality through strategic clarity and operational structure. As a systems thinker, Juang advises creative agencies on workflows, brand strategy, and operations. Through her work, she aims to unlock creative flow, remove operational hurdles, and build springboards for continuous growth. Connect with Lynn Juang via email: hello@frameworkconsulting.com Lynn Juang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnjuang/ Michael Hunter Michael Hunter went from debugging code to debugging people. Now he helps people debug themselves. As the host of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, Michael Hunter explores the why, how, and what of authentic leadership. He works primarily with tech leaders and founding teams, helping them navigate organizational chaos and change with resilience and grace. Connect with Michael Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Read more about his work: https://uncommonteams.com/ -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange

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For the first 15 years of her career, Dr. Amanda Lynne Smith was always the first to arrive and last to leave. And she expected the same relentless pace from everyone around. Then COVID arrived, and with it, an unexpected gift: the permission to breathe. But this isn't just a story about work-life balance. It's the story that led to a groundbreaking realization—you cannot keep pouring if your cup is empty. It's about the time when Smith realized that personal resilience is an important business strategy, something a lot of organizations overlook. Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Uncommon Leadership. I'm Michael Hunter, and today I'm honored to explore what it means to be resilient and courageous with Dr. Smith, who has worked relentlessly for over 25 years to bridge the gap between education and workforce needs. From "courageous conversations" that build unbreakable teams to a restaurant motto that redefined her leadership, we discuss how leaders can navigate the most challenging business issues by focusing on heart and integrity. Grab a seat and pay attention if you want to see how resilient your team could be when they finally learn to speak their truth and experience discomfort with grace. -- Podcast Highlights: * Prioritize filling your own cup (self-care) before you pour into others. When you give permission for self-care, it cascades through teams, families, and communities. * Investing in culture and employee happiness is a direct financial strategy that saves massive costs on recruitment, onboarding, and boosts customer retention. * Genuine, heart-led leadership means extending an open door and treating employees like family. * Uncommon Leadership stems from simple, non-negotiable personal principles: integrity, kindness, speaking your truth, accepting the uncontrollable, and faith.

-- About the Speakers Dr. Amanda Lynne Smith Dr. Amanda Lynne Smith is a dynamic, heart-led C-Suite executive who has spent the last 25 years shaping the future of education and the workforce. She specializes in scaling online education, product development, and building high-performing teams that truly believe in their mission. Smith is focused on using tech-driven solutions to make sure learning directly translates into student success and impactful career outcomes. Connect with Dr. Amanda Lynne Smith : https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-amanda-lynne-smith Michael Hunter Michael specializes in moving leaders "from debugging code to debugging people to helping people debug themselves." He hosts the popular Uncommon Leadership Podcast, where he explores how vulnerability, self-awareness, and authentic connection transform teams and drive sustainable growth. His work focuses on navigating organizational chaos and turning complex challenges into stepping stones for innovation and resilient leadership impact. Connect with Micahel Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange

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Have you ever hit a personal rock bottom that threatened your entire career? Our guest today, Dr. Alfredo Borodowski, knows that feeling intimately. Alfredo's story is one of total collapse and remarkable redemption. He didn't find his way back with better systems; he found it by discovering his own forgotten character strengths. Hello! This is Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, and I'd love to welcome you to another episode of Uncommon Leadership, where we explore what it truly takes to thrive, not just survive, in today's chaotic world. Today, I sit down with Dr. Alfredo Borodowski, who helps global firms turn organizational resistance into growth, to uncover the following: * The crucial difference between talent and character strengths. * How knowing your 'Top Five' can boost your performance by up to 18 times. * Why the old management myths (pressure brings results!) are destroying your culture. * And how you can navigate personal chaos and find your internal compass through self-knowledge.

Get ready to discover why knowing who you are is the ultimate secret to peak performance. Grab a seat, welcome Alfredo Borodowski, and begin a truly transformational conversation! -- About the Speakers Alfredo Borodowski Alfredo Borodowski is a bestselling author and Peak Performance expert who helps leaders harness their strengths. With over three decades of experience advising CEOs and senior leaders at firms like Motorola, his expertise lies in turning workplace resistance into tangible growth. Alfredo's powerful personal story—moving from an esteemed rabbi to overcoming severe mental illness—gives him a unique, empathetic lens for guiding organizations through complex change, always focusing on clarity, empathy, and results. Connect with Borodowski :https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredo-borodowski/ Michael Hunter Michael specializes in moving leaders "from debugging code to debugging people to helping people debug themselves." He hosts the popular Uncommon Leadership Podcast, where he explores how vulnerability, self-awareness, and authentic connection transform teams and drive sustainable growth. His work focuses on navigating organizational chaos and turning complex challenges into stepping stones for innovation and resilient leadership impact. Connect with Micahel Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange

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Hello there! I'm Michael Hunter, founder of Uncommon Teams, and I'm so glad you found this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. I started this series because I constantly meet leaders battling burnout and searching for deeper impact. While I may not have all the answers you're looking for, I truly believe that professional and personal success hinges on aligning personal fulfillment with business objectives. And today, my extraordinary guest, Romie Montpeirous from Leadership from the Heart, talks about the role of adaptability and empathy in leadership. Uncommon leaders embrace adaptability—shifting their approach to meet their team's needs. They're present, self-aware, and help their team find resilience in the face of chaos. Our conversation then deepens into the surprising link between a leader's vulnerability and a team's loyalty. We explore how to find your own version of work-life balance and why "ready" is always a decision, not a feeling. Join us, and you just might find the key to a better way of leading, in work and life. -- Key takeaways from this podcast: * The most effective leaders move between different styles, adjusting their approach based on the team's needs. * Trust is earned, not demanded. Authentic team loyalty is a result of a leader's care and empathy, not authority. * A leader who is present and transparent builds a culture of psychological safety, allowing the team to show up as their full selves. * Help your team overcome fear and uncertainty by walking them through their "worst-case scenario" to show they are resilient. * Equilibrium is personal. The goal isn't a rigid work-life balance, but helping each team member find their own unique sense of harmony.

-- About the Speakers Romie Montpeirous Leadership Mentor| Founder & Lead Coach @Leadership From the Heart | Change Management Leader | Expert at Transforming Cultures | As the founder of Leadership from the Heart, Romie Montpeirous is dedicated to cultivating authentic and empathetic leaders. Romie's philosophy centers on the idea that true excellence emerges when leaders bring their whole selves to their teams. Specializing in empowering operations leaders, Romie helps clients overcome internal conflicts, boost collaboration, and build resilient, high-performing cultures. Holding an MBA and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Romie is an expert at merging emotional intelligence with data-driven strategies to achieve tangible business results. Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner I'm Michael Hunter, the founder of Uncommon Teams. All my work is driven by a single mission: to help leaders, CXOs, and founders build uncommon teams. These are the teams where every person feels valued, psychologically safe, and confident to bring their authentic selves to work. Drawing from my experience with leaders across six continents, I've developed a battle-tested framework that is always precisely customized for you, helping you greet change like an old friend. My deepest satisfaction comes from helping leaders not just envision their legacy, but truly inhabit it. By integrating your whole self into everything you do, you can discover ease, freedom, and a resilient leadership journey that creates a safe organizational culture for everyone. -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange

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What if the things you've been hiding are the very things that make you an extraordinary leader? In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership podcast, Michael Hunter sits down with Nick Goodin, a former chief product officer, to unpack a truth most leaders never discover: your personal story is your greatest asset. Nick shares his own incredible journey—from a traumatic childhood to the sudden, unexpected loss of his job—revealing how he learned to deconstruct life's challenges and rebuild with purpose. Through his unique philosophy of first principles thinking, Nick provides a roadmap for : * cultivating self-awareness, * empathy, * and trust as your core leadership pillars.

This is a profound exploration of how you can align your deepest beliefs with your professional impact, creating cultures where innovation isn't just a goal, but a natural outcome of the process you follow. -- TL; DW? Here's a rapid summary: The Problem: Some leaders often feel they have to hide their personal struggles and conform to an idea of strength, leading to burnout and mediocrity. The Solution: This episode offers an authentic, actionable playbook for leaders to navigate uncertainty and find their power by embracing their full, human story. Even if it's not as heroic as you'd like it to be. A Personal Journey: Nick Goodin shares his history of growing up with a hidden identity, which taught him the vital skill of deconstructing narratives—a practice he later applied to his professional life. The Core Idea: True leadership is not about managing teams but understanding (and acknowledging) the human side. By prioritizing self-awareness and leading with empathy, you build trust that leads to innovation. Key Takeaway: Your personal story, your curiosity, and your values are not just parts of your identity—they are your greatest leadership assets. It's time to stop hiding them and start leveraging them. -- About the Speakers: Nick Goodin Board Member @Five Points Washington | Ex-CPO @ Ice Barrel | Author | Executive Coach | Championing Human-Centered Design & Narrative Intelligence With a career spanning from product innovation to brand strategy, Nick Goodin is known for building spaces where both products and people can thrive. As the former Chief Product Officer at Ice Barrel, Nick has led cross-functional teams to scale new products, promoting empathy and psychological safety as guiding principles. He believes that every great innovation starts with a determination to transform uncertainty into possibility. Now on a mission to share the insights that redefine how we create, lead, and live, Nick challenges leaders to see the world differently. He helps them navigate uncertainty and dig deeper through the power of perspective, storytelling, and intentional choices. More on Nick Goodin: https://www.instagram.com/nickgoodinofficial/?hl=en https://www.nickgoodin.info/ Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership. The best way to connect with Michael Hunter is on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ More from Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/ -- Was this podcast worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and tune into the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw For more, explore Uncommon Teams: https://uncommonteams.com/ Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj

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This story is going to resonate with so many leaders out there: Once upon a time, you built your career/business on a foundation of expertise and experience. You followed the rules and made sure every plan was perfectly laid out. But lately, you’ve started to feel stuck. You're slowly realizing the old playbook no longer works in a world of constant change. In this episode, I, Michael Hunter, the host of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, sit down with innovation expert Keith Hopper to expose a rather uncomfortable truth behind this feeling. The problem isn’t a lack of experience or a bad plan. It’s a fundamental confusion between risk—something you can prepare for—and uncertainty—the great unknown that you can’t possibly predict. Relying on an old-school project plan to handle the unpredictable is a trap. This trap leaves leaders paralyzed on a leadership teeter-totter. On one side, they make a massive, blind leap of faith that often leads to spectacular failure. On the other hand, they are so afraid of making the wrong move that they do nothing, allowing great ideas to die and their teams to stagnate. But what if there was another way? In this breakthrough conversation, Keith reveals the key to escaping this cycle. It’s a low-cost and high-reward way to learn exactly what you need to know—allowing you to move forward one small, intentional step at a time. Your next breakthrough might just be a small experiment away. So, it's time to stop waiting and start discovering. -- Grab a chair. Join the Conversation. Here's why: * So that you finally stop confusing risk with uncertainty. Because the former can be managed with a plan, but the latter requires a renewed mindset. * Learn how to avoid the Teeter-Totter of Leadership. Don't go all-in blindly, and don't let the fear of uncertainty stop you from moving at all. * Understand the true impact of a series of tiny experiments and how it can help you learn and adapt through change. * The concept of true innovation and how it begins the moment you admit you don't know the outcome.

-- About the Speakers: Keith Hopper Founder @Danger Fort Labs | Guest Lecturer @Harvard Business School | Author & Instructor @LinkedIn Learning | LinkedIn Top Voice in Innovation and Discovery As the founder of Danger Fort Labs, Keith Hopper advises executives and teams on how to drive organizational change and growth. He is also a guest lecturer at Harvard Business School and an author and instructor for LinkedIn Learning, where his course "Business Innovation Foundations" has reached over 80,000 students. Keith believes the best way to achieve breakthrough solutions is through experimentation and discovery. He helps leaders create work environments that move more quickly and build smarter, happier teams through continuous learning and discovery. More from Keith Hopper: https://www.dangerfort.com/ Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership. The best way to connect with Michael Hunter is on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ More from Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/ -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and tune into the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw For more, explore Uncommon Teams: https://uncommonteams.com/ Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj

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Do you ever feel like your team is stuck? Like you’re hitting a wall and just can’t seem to move forward? In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I, Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, am talking to Melissa Appel, an executive product management coach, advisor, and author. We get into an uncomfortable but essential truth about leadership: a leader's behavior might be the very thing holding their team back. Melissa shares a story about a leader whose fear-based culture brought an entire company to a halt, and we dive into the psychology of why punishing mistakes is the fastest way to kill innovation. But it’s not just about the problem. We give you a powerful two-part solution for navigating change and overwhelm, from a simple framework for regaining control to a game-changing mindset for solving any problem. If you're ready to stop blaming people and start fixing systems, join us as we uncover the uncommon leadership insights you need to get your team unstuck for good. -- Why This Podcast Is a Must-Watch: * Solve Your Biggest Leadership Challenge: Learn the real reason behind a stagnant team and how a simple culture fix can help. * Find Clarity in Chaos: Get a simple two-step framework to handle overwhelm and uncertainty by focusing on what's in your control. * Fix Broken Communication: Discover the key to getting through to everyone on your team by adapting your communication style to theirs. * Make Better Decisions: End pointless debates by learning the secret to making objective decisions: aligning on an obvious goal first.

-- About the Speakers Melissa Appel Executive Product Management Coach & Advisor @Product Culture | Co-Author @Aligned: Stakeholder Management for Product Leaders | Helping CPOs and teams move from Reactive to Proactive roadmaps Melissa Appel is an expert at untangling complex, "gnarly" problems across various industries. As a product coach, author, and speaker, she helps CPOs and executive teams deliver real value by getting the right people in the room and asking the right questions. Melissa focuses on the underlying people and process issues that are often the root cause of product problems. Her coaching and advisory work greatly help product leaders improve their organizations and build high-quality, effective teams. Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner I'm Michael Hunter, the founder of Uncommon Teams. All my work is driven by a single mission: to help leaders, CXOs, and founders build uncommon teams. These are the teams where every person feels valued, psychologically safe, and confident to bring their authentic selves to work. Drawing from my experience with leaders across six continents, I've developed a battle-tested framework that is always precisely customized for you, helping you greet change like an old friend. My deepest satisfaction comes from helping leaders not just envision their legacy, but truly inhabit it. By integrating your whole self into everything you do, you can discover ease, freedom, and a resilient leadership journey that creates a safe organizational culture for everyone. -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange

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What does it truly take to embrace your most authentic self? Join us for another episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast where I, Michael Hunter, sit down with Ken Miller, a resilience coach and national speaker—who has an extraordinary story to share. Ken shares his journey from being an Ivy League graduate to a life of addiction that led to homelessness and multiple prison sentences. He takes us through his pivotal moment of surrender that became the turning point for his entire life. This conversation goes beyond personal triumph. It's a battle-tested lesson for all leaders who are striving for growth—whether that's intellectual, emotional, personal, or professional. This episode gives you the courage you need to become truly resilient in a world that's constantly changing. It underscores the value of treating people with empathy and respect. And sketches a path you could follow to find freedom in surrender. Grab a seat, let's talk. 5 Reasons to love this podcast: * You'll understand that resilience is so much more than simply bouncing back from adversity. It's a strategic act. * Find an actionable (and practical) plan for personal and professional transformation. * You'll learn how to free yourself from what’s holding you back. * Get inspired to lead from a place of radical honesty, empathy, and a genuine investment in people as individuals, not just transactions. * To find the courage to get a different result in your life or business, by ditching all the inauthentic parts of yourself and embracing an aligned, more evolved version of yourself.

-- Meet the Speakers Ken Miller National Speaker | Author of Becoming Ken | CEO @AIVAlution As a Certified Fundraising Executive and successful multi-entrepreneur, Ken conflates his expertise in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and AI-driven solutions.Through his company, AIVAlution LLC, he is at the forefront of leveraging AI and virtual assistant technology to streamline operations and drive efficiency for nonprofits and businesses. In a nutshell, Ken Miller is a speaker, author and a resilience expert who turns adversity into action. He delivers compelling insights on topics ranging from overcoming adversity and building resilience to the future of AI in philanthropy. His mission is to empower leaders to navigate challenges with authenticity and fulfill their potential. The best way to connect with Ken Miller is on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenmiller84/ More on Ken Miller: https://kenmillerspeaks.com/ Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership. The best way to connect with Michael Hunter is on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ More on Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/ -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and tune into the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw For more, explore Uncommon Teams: https://uncommonteams.com/ Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj

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What if the key to being a great leader isn't about working harder, but about being more you? Hi, I am Michael Hunter, founder of Uncommon Teams, and I'm so glad you found this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. Because today, I sit down with Jason Dea, who is a CPO, a startup advisor, and a leadership coach, and explore a new way to lead. Discover why trying to be a different person in different contexts is exhausting and how being your authentic self can be your greatest strength. Join us as we also talk about the art of turning big, overwhelming problems into manageable baby steps, and why focusing on the process—not just the outcome—is the most reliable path to success. Grab a set and let's together explore a new way to lead with ease, purpose, and confidence. -- 3 Reasons Why This Podcast Is Your Next Must-Listen: * If you're willing to re-examine your role as a leader/ founder/ CEO—

Discover how an obsession with process and a mastery of team dynamics can be the true drivers of sustainable business growth. * If you want to tackle your biggest business challenges head-on—

Learn how to turn overwhelming challenges into a series of tiny, manageable experiments that build momentum and confidence. * If you want to truly build an incredible workplace culture—

Get ready to build a resilient, adaptable organizational culture where authenticity and psychological safety are not just buzzwords, but the foundations for a powerful and lasting legacy. -- While others are bogged down by miscommunication and a constant sense of overwhelm, the most resilient leaders are operating with an uncommon advantage. The question is: Are you ready to stop guessing and start leading with purpose? If yes, let's talk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ -- Meet the Speakers Jason Dea CPO @Koru | VP of Product | Startup Advisor & Coach| Helping Seed to C SaaS startups find PMF and scale to predictable growth Hi, this is Jason Dea. Here's something you should know about me: For over 20 years, I’ve navigated the startup world—from an idea on a napkin to successful exits. I’ve lived the grind: balancing vision with execution and scaling without breaking. My passion is helping founders cut through the noise and turn their ambitious product visions into scalable realities. I specialize in AI-driven product strategy, helping teams align their roadmap and drive growth. I’ve been in your shoes, scaling SaaS products to millions in ARR and through multiple successful exits. Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner I'm Michael Hunter, the founder of Uncommon Teams. All my work is driven by a single mission: to help leaders, CXOs, and founders build uncommon teams. These are the teams where every person feels valued, psychologically safe, and confident to bring their authentic selves to work. Drawing from my experience with leaders across six continents, I've developed a battle-tested framework that is always precisely customized for you, helping you greet change like an old friend. My deepest satisfaction comes from helping leaders not just envision their legacy, but truly inhabit it. By integrating your whole self into everything you do, you can discover ease, freedom, and a resilient leadership journey that creates a safe organizational culture for everyone. -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe to the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange

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What makes a leader finally decide it's time to change? Hey there! This is Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, and welcome to another episode of The Uncommon Leadership Podcast, where I have real, unfiltered conversations with successful leaders about their journeys—the highs, the lows, and the moments that forced a change. Here, we go beyond the business talks and dive into the human side of leadership, exploring the crossroads and points that redefine success. In this episode, I'm in conversation with Chad Brown, a business owner and leadership coach, who opens up about a time in his life when he was forced to confront the opportunity cost of his career. Brown also reveals the one mindset shift that saved his life and his family—making every decision based on the future he wanted to create, not on the instant gratification of the moment. Later, we also uncover why leadership is a lifelong practice, and how you can find joy in the constant challenges and uncertainty of business. I truly feel like this conversation is a wake-up call for every leader on the brink of burnout. Watch the full episode to uncover the lessons you need to hear. A sneak peek of our conversation... * How Professional success can be a lie if it's driven by a need for external validation rather than a genuine purpose. * A leader must make decisions based on the future they want to create, not on what is most urgent or loudest in the present. * Leadership is a practice, a lifelong process of attempting, discovering, and refining—it's not something you can master or achieve. * Self-leadership trumps everything. You cannot effectively lead a team until you have done the work to lead yourself well. * The key to navigating a world of constant change is to change your relationship with uncertainty and find joy in the next challenge, rather than trying to escape it.

-- About the Speakers Chad Brown Coach | Cornerman to Business Owners and Founders | Head of Talent Development @LeadSimple | CEO & Owner @ Shade Tree Films | Associate Partner @Take New Ground As a coach and cornerman for business owners and founders, Chad Brown thrives in conversations with the restless and relentless. Drawing on his experience as a founder and entrepreneur, he is intimately connected to the unique challenges of those pursuing something bigger than themselves in business and relationships. Chad's philosophy is rooted in the belief that there is reward in discomfort, and he sees himself as a living invitation into the work that produces change, growth, and vitality. Ways to get in touch with Chad Brown LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-brown-founder-freedom/ Website: https://www.founder-freedom.com/ Email: chad@chadlbrown.com Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership. -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and follow the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series for more. Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple-https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange

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Many leaders find themselves at a crossroads today. Because they understand that the traditional "command and control" style of leadership is no longer working across the nuanced human dynamics of today's workplace. So if you're here looking to explore this concern or need help navigating change, you've come to the right place. Hello, this is Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams. With me, I have Jillian Reilly, founder, author of The Ten Permissions, and a visionary who's spent decades at the forefront of social and organizational change. Together, we explore how to build a new adult operating system—so you can stand resilient on the volatile ground of the modern workspace. -- Things you'll learn from this conversation: * How to transform workplace confusion into clarity by understanding the "new rules" of engagement. * The surprising power of boundaries and why being direct about expectations creates profound psychological safety. * How to move beyond "fake permission" to truly empower yourself and your team. * Strategies for leading in constant change * Practical steps to lead with humanity: Learn how small shifts can create significant impact and a culture of true fit.

Tune in now to gain the insights and practical tools to lead your team with greater connection, psychological safety, and authentic impact. -- Meet the Speakers Jillian Reilly Author | Founder | Keynote Speaker | Leadership Facilitator | Re-invention Mentor for anyone ready to ditch outdated rules and design a life that fits now From the front-lines of the HIV/AIDS crisis to executive coaching in London, Jillian has guided people and organizations through uncertainty and change. She is also the author of book like Shame: Confessions of an Aid Worker in Africa and The Ten Permissions, a bold framework for personal and social reinvention. Her work empowers individuals and institutions to unlearn outdated scripts, give themselves permission to thrive with clarity, courage, and creativity. Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership. -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, please give us a thumbs up and tune into the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Series. Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange

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Hey there! I'm Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, and I'm genuinely glad you're here. If you've found your way to this podcast, it tells me you're ready to embrace change like an old friend, and I'm here to make that process easy for you—especially if you're currently feeling like you're running on empty or sacrificing your well-being just to keep up. Because in this powerful episode, I sit down with the incredible Evie Brockwell to dive deep into something that I'd like to call the Energy Paradox. Here, we uncover why chasing "more" might actually be holding you back from the outcomes and impact you truly desire. If you're ready to break free from the hustle culture, understand your own energy patterns, and cultivate a life where you genuinely thrive, this conversation offers the path forward. -- Key Takeaways: * That "always on" feeling? It might be working against you. Don't mistake busyness for real progress. * Rest isn't a reward. It's a strategic move. Learn why slowing down can actually make you a more impactful leader. * Understand & learn to use your unique energy rhythms to unlock a whole new level of performance. * Don't wait until burnout to change your pace. Start experimenting with what feels sustainable now, not later.

-- Show Notes: 00:00 - 14:30 The Energy Trap: Why Constant Motion Leads to Burnout 14:30 - 25:00 Find Your Pace: Debunking the "Always On" Myth 25:00 - 38:00 Guest Stories: Personal Wake-up Calls and Self-awareness 38:00- End Beyond Metrics: The True ROI of Solid Company Cultures Well-being -- Meet the Speakers Evie Brockwell Product Tank Organiser @Mind The Product | Product Expert (Consultant + Coach) @Be Optimized | Podcast Host @Product Confidential: The reality of PM life! Evie is a leading product consultant and coach, trusted by global brands like TUI, Channel 4, Megabus, and Booking.com to drive product maturity, amplify impact, and optimize ways of working. Struck by the alarming statistic that 92% of product managers face burnout, she found her mission: proactively empowering over 300 product professionals through keynotes, workshops, and direct company engagements to reverse this trend. Michael Hunter Founder @Uncommon Change | Interlocutor / Curious Host @UncommonLeadership Interview Series | Author | Change & Innovation Partner Michael Hunter partners with top tech leadership teams across six continents to create extraordinary cultures. With 35 years of experience at companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Tableau, he helps leaders sustain meaningful change. Michael believes that only by integrating mind, heart, body, spirit, and intuition can leaders truly navigate change safely and build a lasting legacy of impact + human-centered leadership. -- Was this conversation worth your time? If yes, there's so much more to explore→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ Newsletter: https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UncommonLeadershipPodcast Presented By: Uncommon Change

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As leaders, we often find ourselves navigating a landscape of constant change. Unexpected challenges. And the constant pressure of having all the answers. So, if you're feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or simply know there's a deeper, more authentic way to lead—you are in the right place. Hello and welcome to another episode of the Uncommon Leadership podcast. Today, I'm honored to sit down with Eric Charran, an author and thought leader, who has spearheaded innovative data strategies and AI/ML solutions at giants like Microsoft and Capital One. Eric is known for bridging the gap between complex technology and tangible business results across diverse industries. In our conversation, Eric and I dive into the profound insights from his book, "Have You Ever Had a Boss That...", and explore what it truly means to lead with resilience, adaptability, and ease. Here are some critical insights unpacked in this episode: * How vulnerability, seeking diverse perspectives, and acknowledging your blind spots pave the way for innovation and holistic problem-solving within your team * How to identify the subtle signals of rising emotions in high-pressure situations * How to process, and not just bury, feelings like frustration or injustice, enabling professional growth for both yourself and your team * Understand the profound business value of shifting from rewarding "busyness" to truly empowering your team * Diplomatic yet potent approaches to address recurring, unhelpful patterns.

If you're ready to embrace change like an old friend and build a legacy where your team truly brings their best, you won't want to miss this. -- About the Speakers Eric Charran For more than 25 years now, Eric Charran has helped organizations scale in an increasingly digital economy through innovative data strategies, AI/ML solutions, and scalable enterprise platforms. Charran is recognized for building next-generation data ecosystems and AI/ML solutions that drive measurable business impact, operational excellence, and a culture of innovation. Eric's work focuses on future-proofing enterprises through strategic data and AI adoption. Get in touch with Eric Charran ↓ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericcharran/ Michael Hunter Michael Hunter is the founder of Uncommon Teams and host of the Uncommon Leadership podcast series. With 35+ years guiding leaders worldwide, Michael empowers teams to beat burnout and thrive for the long run—helping them move beyond overwhelm to create meaningful impact. Michael's mission is to help leaders, CEOs, and founding teams create and inhabit their legacy, elevating themselves in a way that is safe and sustainable. Want to build an uncommon, unstoppable team? Get in touch with Michael Hunter ↓ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ Newsletter: https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UncommonLeadershipPodcast Presented By: Uncommon Change

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Are you a leader, founder, or CXO grappling with change, overwhelm, or burnout in your organization? Do you wonder about the real ROI of focusing on employee well-being and internal development? If so, you've come to the right place! Hello and welcome to another episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. Here, I, Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams, explore how you can align personal fulfillment with business success, create authentic teams, and cultivate resilience to thrive in today's fast-paced business world. Joining me today is the incredible Dr. Heather Backstrom—an executive coach, author, and speaker who empowers leaders to model psychological safety and integrate their whole selves for greater business impact. Today's episode is a deep dive into why treating your team as humans isn't just a nice practice, but a non-negotiable for sustainable success. In this newest episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, you'll discover: * The shocking business value behind soft skills. * The concept of integrating your whole self and why it's critical for authentic leadership. * Why psychological safety isn't just a buzzword, but the foundation for a truly empowered team. * A practical framework for understanding organizational overwhelm. * The profound power of value alignment and why recognizing your choices, even in tough situations, can bring peace and clarity.

If this intrigues you or might help with some of the concerns you're facing within your organization, tune in now. For more help, feel free to connect with us—we'd love to help in any way we can! Happy Watching! -- About the Speakers Dr. Heather Backstrom Dr. Heather Backstrom is an accomplished executive coach, speaker, and author—dedicated to cultivating strong, confident, and inclusive leaders. With a doctorate in organizational leadership from Pepperdine University and an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential, Dr. Heather coaches executives across diverse industries like finance, biotech, retail, municipalities, aerospace, media, healthcare, and nonprofit. She's the award-winning author of Collaborative Confidence: How Women Leaders Can Activate Self-Awareness, Amplify Their Authentic Talents and Accelerate Workplace Change, reflecting her passion for empowering women leaders. Dr. Heather focuses on helping leaders elevate their impact, build psychologically safe teams, and strengthen cross-organizational relationships. Get in touch with Dr. Heather Backstrom ↓ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherbackstrom/ Email: heather@heatherbackstrom.com Michael Hunter Michael Hunter is the founder of Uncommon Teams and the compelling voice behind the Uncommon Leadership podcast. For over 35 years, he's guided leaders across six continents, helping them navigate the demanding realities of burnout, overwhelm, and the multifaceted challenges of today's global business landscape. He champions the creation of truly authentic and resilient teams, guiding leaders to align their personal fulfillment with profound business success. His unique approach enables individuals and teams to move beyond merely surviving daily pressures, into a state where they can truly thrive and innovate with ease. Michael's mission is to help leaders, CEOs, and founding teams create and inhabit their legacy, elevating themselves in a way that is safe and sustainable. Want to build an uncommon, unstoppable team? Get in touch with Michael Hunter ↓ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ Newsletter: https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UncommonLeadershipPodcast Presented By: Uncommon Change

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What if I told you that the key to unlocking even greater success isn't another strategy, but a raw, honest look at how you lead yourself and your team? In this Uncommon Leadership episode, I'm joined by Natasha Sell, co-founder of Sutra.co. Natasha's journey reveals that true leadership, especially for entrepreneurs, is a profound path of personal growth that demands your whole self. We explore why ignoring this inner work can quietly hinder your venture, and how even a few minutes of stillness can pave the way to unparalleled clarity and engagement. Discover how cultivating a heart-centered team culture, where vulnerability is a strength, directly translates to stronger retention, improved financial outcomes, and genuinely sustainable growth. This conversation isn't just theory. It's about reclaiming the very essence of your leadership and connection. If you're ready to bridge the gap between where you are and where you could be, this episode should be your next listen. Ready to transform your leadership from the inside out? Tune in now. -- Your Key Lessons from the Episode: * You need to integrate deep self-awareness and continuous personal growth. Knowing your "why" and staying inspired builds authentic, sustainable business relationships. * The busier you get, the more you should slow down. Even 5 minutes of quiet observation can boost your efficiency. * Build a heart-centered team. Focus on human-level check-ins, not just projects. * Be confident and clear about your vision. Then, prototype everything: take tiny, feasible steps to gather real-world data. Reframe experiments as learning opportunities, not successes or failures. * Support your employees' personal and professional development, even if it means they eventually leave the company. This attitude fosters deep trust and attracts even better talent in the long run.

-- About the Speakers Natasha Sell Natasha Sell is the co-founder of Sutra.co, a pioneering social learning platform that has empowered over 65,000 individuals through online group learning experiences. Her work centers on developing tools that foster collaborative awareness through co-creation. Since 2012, she has been relentlessly focused on uniting communities through dynamic, collaborative learning. Through extensive iteration and rigorous testing, Natasha has proven that small-scale, group online learning offers a refreshing pathway to new, more effective ways of being and working together. Beyond her impactful work in the digital space, Natasha is also a certified yoga teacher, bringing a holistic understanding of connection to everything she does. Get in touch with Natasha Sell: https://sutra.co/ Michael Hunter Michael Hunter is the founder of Uncommon Teams and the compelling voice behind the Uncommon Leadership podcast. For over 35 years, he's guided leaders across six continents, helping them navigate the demanding realities of burnout, overwhelm, and the multifaceted challenges of today's global business landscape. He champions the creation of truly authentic and resilient teams, guiding leaders to align their personal fulfillment with profound business success. His unique approach enables individuals and teams to move beyond merely surviving daily pressures, into a state where they can truly thrive and innovate with ease. Michael's mission is to help leaders, CEOs, and founding teams create and inhabit their legacy, elevating themselves in a way that is safe and sustainable. Want to build an uncommon, unstoppable team? Get in touch with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ Newsletter: https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UncommonLeadershipPodcast Presented By: Uncommon Change

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With 56% of leaders hitting burnout in 2024 and a staggering 43% of companies losing half their leadership teams, it's clear modern leadership is heading into a burnout phase. But the question remains: Why? On this episode of the Uncommon Leadership podcast, I dive into the core issues with highly experienced product leader and coach — Phil Hornby. Phil's unique blend of technical acumen, business insight, and human-centric skills makes his perspective invaluable. Together, we unpack some crucial reasons behind this alarming trend: ↪ The immense pressure to hide our true selves fosters stressful and inauthentic work environments. ↪ A default to rigid command-and-control methods strips away team safety and empowerment. ↪The crippling fear of failure that paralyzes action and prevents vital growth. ↪ An overemphasis on tasks that overshadow human connection leads to disengaged teams and stifled collaboration. We explore the profound problem of how conventional leadership often inhibits team potential, which leads to worse outcomes precisely when superior performance is most needed. Phil and I reveal how well-intentioned instincts to "take control" can actually sabotage creativity, innovation, and overall business success—leaving an organization vulnerable. If you're tired of seeing your team's immense talent go untapped and your efforts leading to more exhaustion than impact—then this conversation is for you. --- Your Key Learnings From This Episode of Uncommon Leadership: * The power and the true meaning of bringing your whole self to a leadership role. * Learn why small, intentional steps remove the fear of failure by turning every outcome into valuable data for growth. * A deep understanding of the control paradox: loosening control often leads to better results! * Find out how a deliberate approach to building relationships creates effortless trust and deep collaboration. * Understand why micromanagement and rigid leadership can stifle a team's potential. * How to design intentional structures that encourage collaboration and mutual support.

--- About the Speakers: Phil Hornby Phil Hornby is a highly experienced product leader, coach, technologist, and facilitator with a career spanning over 20 years across diverse sectors including SaaS, IoT, InsuranceTech, MarineTech, Advertising, Manufacturing, BioTech, and Automotive. Phil has directly helped thousands of individuals across hundreds of companies to think clearly, make strong decisions, and take powerful action that drives high-impact outcomes. His approach centers on collaboration, context-driven leadership, and continuous learning. As a coach, Phil serves as a trusted sparring partner for senior leaders, helping them gain clarity and perspective on challenges related to change, uncertainty, and team effectiveness. Get in touch with Phil Hornby↓ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philhornby Resources for further exploration: https://www.forproductpeople.com/ | https://www.talkingroadmaps.com/episodes Michael Hunter Michael Hunter is the founder of Uncommon Teams and the compelling voice behind the Uncommon Leadership podcast. For over 35 years, he's guided leaders across six continents, helping them navigate the demanding realities of burnout, overwhelm, and the multifaceted challenges of today's global business landscape. He champions the creation of truly authentic and resilient teams, guiding leaders to align their personal fulfillment with profound business success. His unique approach enables individuals and teams to move beyond merely surviving daily pressures, into a state where they can truly thrive and innovate with ease. Michael's mission is to help leaders, CEOs, and founding teams create and inhabit their legacy, elevating themselves in a way that is safe and sustainable. Want to build an uncommon, unstoppable team? Get in touch with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ Newsletter: https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UncommonLeadershipPodcast Presented By: Uncommon Change

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Is your leadership style secretly costing your company millions? Many leaders today fall prey to the dangerous pressure of hiding their true selves. And this is draining more than just energy. It's slowly piling up invisible walls within your team—stifling innovation, and quietly sabotaging your bottom line. The old playbook for leaders is failing in today's unpredictable world. It's creating environments of fear, distrust, and burnout, leaving organizations vulnerable to the chaos of rapid change. So today, on the newest episode of the Uncommon Leadership podcast, I sit down with the Managing Director at SoftEd, David Mantica, to pull back the curtain. David has seen how businesses operate from every angle, and with that insight, we explore how true leadership isn't about control, but about authentic connection. It's about bringing your whole self to work, understanding your brain's biases, and cultivating curiosity to truly empower your people. If you want to create a workplace where people are truly engaged and excited about "why" they do what they do, then grab a seat and join in the conversation. -- Is this podcast right for you?: * Yes, if you want to build trust and create a long-lasting impact at your organization by showing up as your whole self. * Yes, if you are ready to let go of micromanaging or controlling behaviors and lead your team by empowering them. * Yes, if you're open to understanding your own biases, recognize when you're not at your best, & actively seek feedback from your team members or colleagues. * Yes, if you're determined to create a culture where people feel safe to be themselves, express ideas, and even make mistakes. * Yes, if you're just a leader, CEO, or CXO—trying to lead your organization through burnout or stifled growth.

-- About the Speakers David Mantica As Managing Director at SoftEd, David Mantica is dedicated to empowering knowledge workers by providing comprehensive training, coaching, and advisory services. Leveraging his deep expertise, he equips professionals with critical skills in areas like AI, Agile, and leadership, enabling them to thrive and innovate effectively in today's complex, VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) business world, all while advocating for sustainable, trust-driven profitability. With over 30 years of experience and more than 700 speaking engagements, David actively equips professionals with the knowledge, credentials, and confidence needed to lead, deliver, and innovate effectively. Get in touch with David Mantica↓ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mantica/ Or Email: dmantica@gmail.com Michael Hunter↓ Michael Hunter is the founder of Uncommon Teams and the compelling voice behind the Uncommon Leadership podcast. For over 35 years, he's guided leaders across six continents, helping them navigate the demanding realities of burnout, overwhelm, and the multifaceted challenges of today's global business landscape. He champions the creation of truly authentic and resilient teams, guiding leaders to align their personal fulfillment with profound business success. His unique approach enables individuals and teams to move beyond merely surviving daily pressures, into a state where they can truly thrive and innovate with ease. Michael's mission is to help leaders, CEOs, and founding teams create and inhabit their legacy, elevating themselves in a way that is safe and sustainable. Want to build an uncommon, unstoppable team? Get in touch with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ Newsletter: https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UncommonLeadershipPodcast Presented By: Uncommon Change

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Imagine being constantly caught off guard by problems you never saw coming, while carrying the weight of leadership decisions that could make or break your organization. It's a tough spot, and frankly, a sad reality for many leaders who've unintentionally built walls, missing crucial insights that could save them millions. Welcome to another powerful episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast! I'm Michael Hunter, and today, I'm honored to speak with someone who's witnessed this costly pattern firsthand: Dan Tocchini. Tocchini is a true leadership transformation expert, with over 35 years of experience helping executive teams break through seemingly impossible barriers. In this conversation, he reveals exactly how siloed processes create dangerous blind spots—blind spots that can cost millions or, even worse, derail your entire venture. He also tackles the hard questions head-on: How do you balance openness with authority? How do you create cultures where people feel genuinely confident to take risks? And most importantly, how do you turn obstacles into opportunities through what he calls "fascination"—a deeper level of curiosity that transforms breakdowns into breakthroughs. You'll also get a sneak peek into his three pillars of effective leadership and his proven change management framework that explains why a surprising 40% of your team sits on the fence during transitions—and, crucially, how to win them over. This isn't just a feel-good leadership theory. It's a practical roadmap to prevent small problems from becoming million-dollar crises. So tune in now! -- Key Learnings from this Conversation: * Isolating aspects of your leadership or team guarantees costly surprises and missed opportunities. * Openness about challenges empowers your team to deliver solutions you'd never find alone. * Don't avoid discomfort or difficult conversations. * Foster a culture where genuine inquiry, not rigid authority, drives rapid learning and pivots. * Your actions, not just your words, build the trust and define the culture your team will embody. * Unite your team around collective success to navigate conflict effectively and achieve breakthrough results. * A leader's discipline to care, even when others don't, is vital for long-term team health and preventing future issues.

-- Want to get in touch with the speakers? About Dan Tocchini: Dan Tocchini brings over 35 years of experience transforming executive teams for companies like Microsoft and ESPN. He champions a no-fluff approach, focusing on courageous leadership and creative conflict resolution. Dan Tocchini believes a leader with a clear vision is never held hostage by circumstance or history. Get in touch with him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantocchini/ About Michael Hunter: Michael Hunter is the founder of Uncommon Teams and the host of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. He is dedicated to exploring leadership principles that empower individuals to lead with authenticity and impact. You can connect with Michael Hunter by clicking on this link: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ -- For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: Uncommon Change

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Ever wonder why some teams thrive through chaos while others crumble? It's not about micromanagement or perfect plans—it's about trust. It's about fierce loyalty. In this powerful episode, I, Michael Hunter, and DocuSign's Director of Engineering, Wes Clines, decode the true essence of an uncommon leader. Wes shares his battle-tested "hacks" to transform teams through transparency, consistency, and non-negotiable, genuine communications. More than just theory, this conversation offers a peek into a leader's essential toolkit, showing you how to move beyond management and truly begin to lead. Discover how investing in genuine connection, embracing imperfection, and fostering open dialogue creates a culture where people don't just perform—they're empowered, resilient, and ready to follow you anywhere. Ready to transform your leadership and unleash your team's full, untapped potential? Tune into the full Uncommon Leadership Podcast episode now! -- Your learnings from the podcast: * Transparency cultivates trust. Openly communicate "why" and how decisions are made to build psychological safety. * A leader's reactions to mistakes (learning over blame) can empower teams to take strategic risks. * Prioritizing deep, 1-on-1 connections can help uncover individual talents, strengths, and weaknesses. * Embrace continuous progress and learning from inevitable mistakes for sustainable team performance. * Lead beyond management through genuine connection, driving higher output and retention.

-- Want to get in touch with the speakers? About Wes Clines: Wes Clines is the Director of Engineering at DocuSign, leading developer infrastructure and tools teams. With a rich background from his 15 years at Microsoft, Wes is passionate about fostering authentic team cultures built on trust and open communication. Connect with Wes Clines on LinkedIn by clicking here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wes-clines/ About Michael Hunter: Michael Hunter is the founder of Uncommon Teams and the host of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. He is dedicated to exploring leadership principles that empower individuals to lead with authenticity and impact. You can connect with Michael Hunter by clicking on this link: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ -- For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: Uncommon Change

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Hello there! I'm Michael Hunter, founder of Uncommon Teams, and I'm so glad you found this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast. I started this series because I constantly meet leaders battling burnout and searching for deeper impact. While I may not have all the answers you're looking for, I truly believe that professional and personal success hinges on aligning personal fulfillment with business objectives. And today, my extraordinary guest, Stephen Snyder, reveals how he found his compass. Stephen, a seasoned insurance and employee benefits expert, shares how a quirky DISC assessment helped him uncover his unique personality. This self-discovery fundamentally reshaped his approach to every interaction—especially the tough ones. You'll also hear Stephen's powerful realization about navigating uncomfortable situations, like networking events, where he discovered that authentic connection isn't about rigid tactics or hard sells, but about embracing shared vulnerability and genuine curiosity. Our conversation then deepens into why Stephen's profound empathy isn't just a personal trait, but an indispensable asset in leadership. Join us, and you just might find the key to unlocking your true self for greater happiness in work and life. -- Learnings in a Nutshell: * Understand your own personality and triggers to lead yourself and others more effectively. * Realize most people feel awkward in new situations; this shared vulnerability builds confidence and connection. * Empathy is your superpower. Seeing people as individuals, not just roles, builds trust, solves problems, and creates psychological safety. * Communication and relationships are two-sided. When we invest in people authentically, the ripple effects extend far beyond our direct interactions.

-- Want to get in touch with the speakers? About Stephen Snyder: Stephen Snyder is an insurance and employee benefits expert with over 16 years of experience, passionate about helping people navigate complex systems and build genuine connections. He champions a people-first approach, using his insights to foster empathetic leadership and empower thriving teams. Get in touch with him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensnyder1/ About Michael Hunter: Michael Hunter, founder of Uncommon Teams, empowers leaders to cultivate harmony, unlock team potential, and help people "debug themselves." He guides clients to integrate mind, heart, body, and spirit, fostering safe environments where individuals and teams achieve uncommon impact. You can connect with Michael Hunter by clicking on this link: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ -- For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: Uncommon Change

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Whether you're battling burnout, striving for breakthrough innovation, or simply sense that something isn't quite right with your leadership journey, you are far from alone. And, you've arrived at an exciting episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, which just might help you navigate these feelings. In this episode, I, Michael Hunter, sit down with the incredible Viveka von Rosen—a celebrated LinkedIn expert, bestselling author, and transformational speaker who literally lives by her philosophy of "playing all day." Together, we uncover the hidden truths behind genuine success, radical self-trust, and building truly empowered teams. Viveka shares her own raw, vulnerable journey from corporate burnout—a path that led her to question everything. She reveals how ignoring the subtle whispers of intuition can escalate into loud, undeniable shouts, forcing us to finally listen. Her story is a powerful reminder: don't wait for a crisis to make your pivot. But how do you find the time for these shifts? Will you need to wake up at 4:30 AM or work late nights? The answer is shockingly simple and extremely practical. So, take a seat and join in the conversation that goes beyond just finding time. It’s about fundamentally changing how we approach work and lead. -- Here's what you can expect to learn from this podcast↓ * Learn why approaching work with joy and enthusiasm is a proven path to unprecedented productivity, less procrastination, and real, sustainable success. * Discover simple, low-stakes ways to practice trusting that inner knowing, saving yourself from future regret. * Discover the ultimate hack for truly valuing your team members. * Learn why allowing team members to "outgrow" their roles isn't a cost, but a powerful opportunity for your business to transform and thrive. * Learn to build a work culture of open communication and flexibility that empowers everyone to bring their unique brilliance to the table.

-- Want to get in touch with the speakers? About Viveka von Rosen Viveka von Rosen is a celebrated LinkedIn expert, bestselling author, and transformational speaker. Having successfully pivoted from corporate burnout herself, she now empowers executives and entrepreneurs to align their authentic selves with their business goals, helping them build their legacy and unlock their full potential through her work at Beyond the Dream Board. Get in touch with her: Viveka@beyondthedreamboard.com About Michael Hunter: Michael Hunter is the host of the Uncommon Leadership podcast and founder of Uncommon Teams, guiding leaders to align personal fulfillment with business success and cultivate authentic teams. You can connect with Michael Hunter by clicking on this link: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ -- For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: Uncommon Change

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Just can't shake the feeling that your career isn't quite aligning with who you truly are? If so, you're not alone. Many leaders wrestle with these exact challenges every single day. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I, Michael Hunter, am diving deep into these very real struggles with the brilliant Dr. Rebecca Parsons, former CTO of ThoughtWorks. We intend to uncover unconventional insights that can transform your leadership, your team, and your entire sense of fulfillment. Dr. Parsons pulls back the curtain on her remarkable journey, starting with a surprising truth: even at a young age, she knew the secret to preventing that "off" feeling. It was all about defining success on her terms and embracing her authentic self—someone who truly loved math, science, and everything geeky! This is her story about how she relentlessly refused to compromise who she really was. What allowed her to develop such profound self-awareness so early? What empowered her to challenge norms and even prove a university professor wrong when he doubted women's capabilities in tech? Let's find out together. We'll discover why the authentic ability to say "I don't know" is a superpower and how focusing on outcomes instead of micromanaging unlocks creativity. Dr. Rebecca Parsons wraps her compelling journey with a bombshell: if 100% of your "innovations" succeed, you're taking too little risk. She goes on to explain the crucial difference between a bad idea and a constructive failure—a distinction that could be the key to your organization's very survival. Take a seat and join us as we tackle some of the most troublesome quandaries in organizational leadership. -- Want to get in touch with the speakers? About Dr. Rebecca Parsons: A former CTO of ThoughtWorks for 17 years, Dr. Parsons is a renowned technologist and advocate for diversity in STEM, known for her expertise in tech strategy and evolutionary architecture. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rebecca-parsons/ About Michael Hunter: Michael Hunter is the host of the Uncommon Leadership podcast and founder of Uncommon Teams, guiding leaders to align personal fulfillment with business success and cultivate authentic teams. https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ -- For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: Uncommon Change

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Ever feel like you're doing great at work, hitting all your targets... but secretly, something just feels off? Then this episode on the Uncommon Leadership Podcast is for you. Join me as I interview Dr. Maria H. Andersen, a learning engineer, EdTech CEO, and highly experienced educator, on the importance of finding the balance between personal fulfilment and professional success. We talk at length about making intentional choices with your energy and how focusing on where you can make a difference is key to navigating an overwhelming world. We also explore fascinating strategies like Replenishing Personal Resources and Idea Collisions to prevent burnout and spark exciting innovations. Dr. Andersen's expertise in fostering creativity, establishing healthy boundaries, and creating positive company cultures makes this conversation essential for leaders navigating the complex intersection of personal well-being and professional excellence. If you're ready to make that change, reclaim your energy, and build a path that's truly yours, then tune in now! Want to get in touch with the speakers? Dr. Maria H. Andersen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahandersen/ Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ -- For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: Uncommon Change

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Have things not been working out for you lately? Like you're stuck, and you know deep down that something needs to shift? If you're here, give yourself a pat on the back because you've already taken the first step to embracing change. First off, I'd like to welcome you to this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, where I interview Tamar Stolz, a leadership and business strategy coach, and deliberate on the importance of bringing one's authentic self to everything they do. Identifying your strengths can help you reframe setbacks, overcome self-doubt, and self-comparisons. It can also help you ditch the one-size-fits-all approach and create strategies that work for you! Tamar addresses these topics head-on, sharing her powerful personal experiences with overcoming self-doubt. She also introduces her signature "ALIGN" framework, which focuses on strategic alignment and can help you navigate through uncertainty. But it all starts with self-awareness. Change begins when you acknowledge and step into your authentic self. To close, I'd like to leave you with this timeless wisdom: Be yourself. Everyone else is taken. If you're ready to make that change and build a path that's truly yours, this episode provides the tools and frameworks you need to get started. And if you still need help, we're just one text away! Get in touch with the speakers: Tamar Stolz: contact@tamarstolz.com Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ -- For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Presented By: Uncommon Change

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In this episode of Uncommon Leadership, Michael Hunter sits down with Scott Harvey, an FBI-trained hostage negotiator, speaker, author, and business communication consultant, to unpack the often-overlooked skill that separates good leaders from great ones: the ability to connect through communication. Harvey draws from his extensive experience, including his time as a D.A.R.E. officer and his work in conflict resolution and advocating for mental health discussions. His unique background provides a fresh, pragmatic, and deeply human perspective on leading with influence and building relationships that thrive. This isn't just theory; it's hard-won wisdom from someone who has navigated life-or-death conversations. Whether you’re leading a meeting or navigating a tense conversation, this episode is a masterclass in reading the room—and reshaping the outcome through the power of words. For any leader who wants to be heard, trusted, and remembered, this one’s a must. Tune in today. Want to get in touch with Scott Harvey? Email: scott@speakingofharvey.com Website: SpeakingofHarvey.com For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for the Uncommon Leadership newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: Uncommon Change

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Can genuine care and affection for your people truly drive business results? According to Ryan Rigterink, the answer is a resounding yes. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I welcome Ryan Victor to explore the powerful yet often underestimated impact of leading with genuine care and affection. Rigterink shares his journey of transformation and introduces his philosophy of "Purpose Management," a framework rooted in leading with authentic love. Herein, he dives deep into how intentional value creation for employees can deliver hard, measurable business benefits. He also challenges the traditional view that businesses must be cold and transactional, presenting a compelling case for why warmth, empathy, and genuine concern for people's well-being are essential components of effective leadership. Tune into this conversation as it serves as a powerful reminder that leading with genuine care and affection isn't just ethically superior—it's a strategic advantage that fetches remarkable returns in terms of employee retention, performance, and overall success. To access more insights from Ryan Rigterink, explore his website: workgaze.com or email him at ryan@workgaze.com And for more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com. Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange

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If you've ever felt successful on the outside but empty inside, this podcast is for you. With over a decade of personal transformation and leadership experience, Maurice Martin shares his powerful journey from deep depression to becoming a transformational coach and motivational speaker. After years of hiding his authentic self and experiencing success while suffering internally, Martin reached a breaking point that prompted a profound personal transformation. In this episode of Uncommon Leadership, Michael Hunter and Maurice Martin dive into the crucial role of authenticity, personal growth, and leadership. Martin emphasizes that meaningful change doesn't require dramatic epiphanies, but comes through consistent small choices that build habits and momentum over time. Martin's expertise in navigating personal challenges, developing authentic leadership, and driving personal growth makes this a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck, burned out, or searching for a greater purpose. Explore more from Maurice Martin, including his book "Your But Is Too Big": https://www.mauricefmartin.com/store Connect with Maurice here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricefmartin/ For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com. Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange

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In a world where teams are up against burnout and inefficiency, Sonya Siderova, CEO of Nave, takes a unique approach—one rooted in trust. “I don't manage people; I manage workflows,” she shares, emphasizing the power of leadership that empowers, rather than controlling teams. In this episode of Uncommon Leadership, Michael Hunter and Sonya Siderova explore the true impact of work-life boundaries, the role of self-trust in leadership, and how personal systems can drive positive business outcomes. They also reveal why bottlenecks—not people—are often the real challenge in workflow management. Tune in now to learn the surprising truth about managing people workflows. Make Reliable Sprint Commitments with Sonya's Free Guide: getnave.co/uncommon-leadership Want to get in touch with Sonya? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siderova/ Website: https://getnave.com/ For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com. Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange

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With over 25 years of experience building multiple scalable businesses worldwide, Garrett Delph observes, “Most business owners and leaders don't want to solve culture problems just for the sake of solving culture problems” within their organizations. But Delph is “crazy allergic to bad culture and chaos” and his motivation to solve culture problems remains a priority—irrespective of what it does to revenue and sales. In this episode of Uncommon Leadership: Garrett Delph, the founder & CEO of Clarity Ops and I, examine the critical role of company culture in building high-performing teams. We discuss how addressing organizational challenges early on and balancing strategic objectives and operational realities is a must for success. Delph's expertise in architecting finely tuned organizational cultures, developing management leaders, and driving business growth at scale makes this a must-listen. Tune in now! Want to get in touch with Garrett? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettdelph/ Website: https://clarityops.co/ For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com. Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange

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Ever feel like you have to be someone else to succeed in negotiations? Do negotiation conversations make you want to hide? Then this podcast is for you as Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams and John Gates, founder of Salary Coach, reveal how negotiation doesn't have to be a power struggle. In this episode, you'll see how negotiations can be an opportunity for mutual gain. If you dream it, you can ask for it — but here’s the trick: you have to know how and when. According to Gates, being authentic during the negotiation process can be powerful. It can help you build win-win agreements, develop a deep understanding of the other party's needs, and achieve better outcomes—without sacrificing their personal values or professional relationships. This conversation is nothing short of a masterclass and will forever change the way you approach every negotiation. Tune in now, so you never leave money on the table again! Want to take control of the compensation conversation? Visit: Website: https://salary.coach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngates-salarycoach/ Here’s the 5th Chapter from John’s book: “Act Your Wage.” Download the free pdf with this link. For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com. Watch the Uncommon Leadership Podcast: Get notified on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj Presented By: UncommonChange

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Kevin was surprised when learned he had passed his college accounting exam with flying colors. After all, while he could explain how he would approach the accounting, the bulk of his answer noted that the organizational dynamics of the example's company were so unhealthy that no financial changes would be effective until the culture was changed. Turns out, his professor agreed.

Kevin Wilkins is the Founder and CEO of Trepwise, a strategy consulting firm whose mission is to unlock the potential of purpose-driven organizations by aligning people, process, and vision. And which has been named one of the Best Places to Work by CityBusiness for the last 7 years. With over 35 years of experience in non-profit, corporate and private ventures, Kevin has built a company that teaches to put people at the center of their work.

We discuss the importance of joy and fulfillment at work, clear organizational values and belief systems, and consciously creating workplace culture.

Kevin's Shared Leadership Toolkit is at https://trepwise.com/announcing-our-public-shared-leadership-toolkit/, alongside the other toolkits he mentions. Connect with him via email: info@trepwise.com; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trepwise/; X: https://twitter.com/trepwise, and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/trepwise.

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Ron finds that our busy minds are hoarders—and that clearing that out can start as simply as a few deep breaths.

Dr. Ron Stotts is a three-time bestselling author with a PhD in psychology, a Dr. of Chiropractic, and has been teaching mediation for over forty-five years. He's explored the depths of ancient wisdom and the latest in psychological neurological studies, and leadership as he guides entrepreneurs and executives into the highest levels of conscious leadership.

We discuss how critical inner work and self-acceptance are to leading effectively, and how mindful living and simply breathing can help us with that work and ease our way through change.

Find the resources Ron mentions at his website: https://ronstotts.com/. Connect with him there: https://ronstotts.com/a-deeper-look/; on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ron.stotts.50/; on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ron-stotts-14143236/; and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.ronstotts

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Rob says the gift most responsible for his success is his humor.

Rob Beachy started out his career in the military and took those skills and transitioned in the civilian world as a technical support representative, network admin, IT consulting engineer and ultimately to his current role as Chief Information Officer at Sturgis Bank & Trust.

We discuss learning from failures, fostering open communication, the benefits of building an inclusive culture, and never taking himself too seriously.

Contact Rob via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-b-371036b/ or email: rbeachy@sturgis.bank.

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Amit and Kumar don't mind being cogs in a machine—because they know they are the perfect cog for their part of the machine.

Dr. Kumar Ramlall is an investor, entrepreneur, medical specialist, and a respected business advisor. He has a distinguished academic background and extensive practical experience.

Amit Chintan Ramlall possesses a unique gift for helping leaders transform their challenges into opportunity. His own journey out of the Autism maze helped him become an expert in the human mind and human achievement. He integrates the vast knowledge he's gained from reading over 14,000 non-fiction books with his unique insights to fulfill his deepest desire of helping individuals discover and manifest their life's purpose.

Together, Kumar and Amit founded the Chintan Project to help clients leverage their unique purpose and unique challenges for greater impact and rewards. They specialize in helping clients, typically business owners, solve their people problems, the ones ‘above’ HR. They help them either love their businesses again – or exit so that they love their lives again.

We chat about overcoming people problems in business, transforming challenges into opportunities, and how to fall in love with your work all over again.

Find Kumar and Amit at https://www.chintanproject.com/. Connect with Kumar on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kumar.ramlall and on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kumar-ramlall-77930217/, and connect with Amit on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amit.ramlall.98/ and on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amit-ramlall-83b829189/

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The highlight of Mark's career was his time helping the Victorian government partner with private businesses to react to and recover from the 2009 Australian bushfires.

Mark Fulcher is the managing director of Beacon Consult, a leadership and organisation performance consultancy, based out of Melbourne Australia. Mark has taken his experience from leadership roles in Big 4 consulting and multinationals to help growing SMEs (small-medium orgs) get set up for future success. Mark believes that business success is so closely tied to leadership effectiveness - and so should stay front and centre for all organisations.

We discuss the intricacies of effective leadership in times of crisis, Mark's experiences driving transformative change in organizations, and the critical importance of empathy, emotional regulation, and personal well-being in leadership.

Mark's Beacon Consult’s Guide to Overcoming Growing Pains and Finding Success: https://beaconconsult.com.au/growing-pains/

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/fulcherm and email: mark.fulcher@beaconconsult.com.au

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When Adrian watches a TV show or movie, he always understands the villain.

Adrian Koehler is a leadership engagement expert and senior partner at the executive coaching firm, Take New Ground.

We discuss using authenticity and conversation to build meaningful connections, and the profound significance of our personal gifts and the impact they can have on those around us.

Adrian's free e-book The Change Imperative is at https://change.takenewground.com/.

Connect with Adrian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriankoehler and Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/adrian.k/?hl=en

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Michael finds that dealing with actors is perfect preparation for being a software program manager.

Michael Bolton is a consulting software tester and testing teacher who helps people to solve testing problems that they didn't realize they could solve. Michael has over 30 years of experience testing, developing, managing, and writing about software, and has traveled to six continents to help people learn about testing.

We discuss the importance of diverse talents and perspectives in software development and testing, the power of metaphor, and how useful embracing failure can be.

Contact Michael at michael@developsense.com, on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bolton-08847/, on Twitter @michaelbolton, or through his website, http://www.developsense.com.

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Brad has been road tripping to Up North Michigan with his best buddies for twenty-four years.

Brad Voorhees is the cornerstone of ScaleTx, bringing a wealth of experience with over 15 years in leadership roles and a track record of building and scaling HR departments from the ground up. His expertise lies in providing strategic guidance, hands-on leadership, and mentorship, driving HR departments to become instrumental in organizational growth.

We discuss recognizing leadership potential, assessing communication skills, being a net positive influence, and effective learning journeys.

Connect with Brad via his website: scaletx.io, email: brad@scaletx.io, or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyvoorhees/.

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Chandler believes conflict is necessary for building strong teams.

Chandler Cutler embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at just 21. In the two decades since, he has mastered the art of leadership, communication, and resilience, facing real-world business challenges head-on, culminating in the founding of CorEthos.

Chandler and CorEthos emphasize the humanity behind every business operation. They help you transform your business with a people-first approach that keeps humanity at the core while ensuring long-term commitment and transparent communication as they collaborate on your path to elevate and scale your business.

We chat about creating a space for vulnerability while maintaining professionalism, leveraging team members' expertise for continuous learning, simple ways to resolve even the most challenging communication issues.

The downloads Chandler mentions are here:

https://corethos.com/agenda-architect-of-productive-meetings/
https://corethos.com/time_management_checklist/

Connect with Chandler at https://corethos.com/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandler-cutler-54b33844/, and @CorEthos on all the socials.

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Jay used to think that managing was all about coaching.

Jay Floyd is a data engineering leader, life coach, and podcaster. He is also the curator of the 'What's Good' brand, dedicated to finding the good in all of life's scenarios, or as he calls it, 'feeding our good wolf.'

We discuss leading with a personal touch, the power of positive growth, fostering rich team environments, and the wolves we carry inside us.

Connect with Jay via his website: www.whatsgood.work and LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjayfloyd/.

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Colleen's family helps her remember that we never know what's going on for anyone else.

Colleen Johnson has been working in the technology space for over 20 years, with half of that focused on improving the way we deliver value. She has taught and presented agile concepts to audiences around the world but is happiest in the Colorado mountains with her husband and three kids.

We discuss the most useful metric for team progress, the benefits of nurturing creativity in retaining talent, and how diversity impacts learning opportunities.

Join the ProKanban.org slack community at prokanban.org > About Us > Slack Community

Find the Kanban for Everyone videos at https://www.youtube.com/@prokanban

Connect with Colleen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-johnson/ and Twitter: @scrumhive

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When Gerardo's soul takes flight, it lands on top of a mountain covered in snow. Because he loves helicopter skiing.

Gerardo Segat is an international leadership coach whose purpose and legacy is to humanize leadership. Following a wealth of experiences as entrepreneur, chairman and CEO, Gerardo has used his leadership background to create Preludes: a coaching program created to humanize leaders, organizations, and their stakeholders through creative and powerful original experiences (such as decision-making debates, client interaction models, and emotions-focused team meetings).

Currently, Gerardo is working on Out As Humans, a performing arts show designed to humanize authentic leaders. Out as Humans is an individual and group immersive performance that creates a space for leaders to be open, trusting, empathetic, and feel a sense of belonging.

We discuss the radical effects of vulnerability, creating cultures of openness, integrating open hearts into the workplace, and the importance of self-awareness.

Connect with Gerardo via email: you@gerardosegat.com; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerardosegat/; and his website: www.gerardosegat.com.

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Nevin believes that success is directly related to discomfort.

With decades of experience as a facilitator, coach, and trainer, Nevin Danielson helps leaders and their teams ignite purpose, possibility, and partnerships to sustain an energized workforce amidst evolving trends like turnover and remote work.

After a quarter-life crisis showed him the value of serving others, Nevin founded Induction Consulting to uncover practical steps that tap teams' untapped potential.

His skills cut through outdated expectations and elevate processes and interactions to be fresh, meaningful, and authentic.

We discuss shifting culture through embracing discomfort, the transformative approach Nevin developed for empowering his team, and giving feedback to power.

Download Nevin's Trailblazer cheat sheet at https://inductionconsulting.ca/uncommon-leadership/

Connect with Nevin at nevin@inductionconsulting.ca, www.inductionconsulting.ca, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/nevindanielson/. "Please mention that they found me through Uncommon Leadership!"

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Pawel approaches leadership as a series of experiments and iterations.

Pawel Brodzinski is a seasoned leader, manager, and coach. He's done pretty much every aspect of building software, both as the person doing the work and as the leader helping that person.

Pawel also writes, speaks, and lectures in service of helping organizational cultures to create exceptional workplaces. Because that's what brings him the most fun.

I ran across Pawel on LinkedIn, where I am consistently impressed with his light, yet forthright, take on thorny topics like the right way to give kudos and salary transparency.

We discuss aligning vision, fostering radical autonomy, making decisions without traditional hierarchy, and creating environments where leadership is not a title but an action.

Connect with Pawel at https://www.linkedin.com/in/pawelbrodzinski/ and pawel.brodzinski@gmail.com.

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Jardena believes even corporate budgeting can be soulful.

Jardena London is an author, speaker, community leader, and Business Transformation Consultant who helps businesses thrive by using a soulful lens.

We discuss the value of humanity over systems, learning from failure, and redefining conflict and resilience.

Join the Transformational Leadership Community at learning.cultivatingtransformations.com

Find Jardena's book Cultivating Transformations: A Leader’s Guide to Connecting the Soulful and the Practical at Amazon and other booksellers

Connect with Jardena:

jardena@rosettaagile.com
linkedin.com/in/jardena
rosettaagile.com
jardenalondon.com
cultivatingtransformations.com

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Dave wants to know things. He doesn't so much enjoy the learning part of that.

Dave Rodabaugh has 23 years of experience making analytical data products by turning THIS data into THAT model. He also has a track record of teaching others to do it, and helping them turn into data leaders. Data products are built by teams of people, not by technology, Dave holds.

We discuss the frameworks that help Dave navigate life, improving team cohesion through understanding how we work best, and the wisdom in the counsel of the many.

Contact Dave at drodabaugh@gmail.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-rodabaugh/.

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Zach believes dissent and debate are critical to understanding each other.

Zach Bonaker proudly describes himself as a "Benevolent Troublemaker," by which he means a catalyst for positive disruption. He applies his wealth of experience steering both Fortune 500 companies and startups and his deep expertise in systems thinking and fostering team-centric approaches to work to skillfully advance organizations that prioritize humanity. His intent is always to combine the competitive advantage of business agility, cutting-edge organization design techniques, and the transformative force of "flow" science to cultivate vibrant and human-centric environments and a deep passion for work that empowers individuals to unleash their full potential.

We discuss the (in)humanity of recruiting and hiring, the benefits of bills of rights in organizations, and how biological selection theory applies to the workplace.

Zach's blog The Benevolent Troublemaker: https://benevolenttroublemaker.wordpress.com/author/zbonaker/.

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbonaker/ or Email: zbonaker@gmail.com

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Kimberly teaches her people to be selfish.

Kimberly Lowe-Williams is a Black female Director of Infrastructure and Site Reliability, with over 10 years of experience as a leader and people manager. She prides herself on being a leader who empowers her team, promotes diversity, and values everyone's opinion. She's broken down barriers and challenged stereotypes, inspiring others to do the same. She is also the founder of a non-profit that for many years provided opportunities for underrepresented individuals in the tech industry before it closed its doors following the pandemic.

We discuss succeeding even as we feel uncomfortable, leading with empathy, humane collaboration, and motivating during tough times.

Kimberly's newsletter, Unsolicited Career Advice, is at https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7047750440200896512. Contact her at heykim@klowewilliams.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/klowewilliams/, and https://www.instagram.com/k.lowewilliams/.

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Raphael customizes his Zoom background to be what he wants to see on video calls.

Raphael helps founders scale their businesses by enhancing their customers' experiences. He's taking his nearly-two-decades of experience building relationships with customers and leading international teams at B2B SaaS and tech companies into a thriving solo practice. He has a talent for bringing a company together across and beyond departmental borders, showing his clients how to build great customer experiences by having them experience one of their own. Plus, he's fun, warm, and puts people before everything else.

We chat about the one thing every leader should prioritize, building bridges quickly and effectively, and the power of being vulnerable.

Connect with Raphael at https://triemer.consulting/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaeltriemer/, and https://calendly.com/triemerconsulting/get-in-touch.

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Muness shows people he hears them. "That is so unusual, it disarms them."

Muness Castle is a data and engineering leader with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in data engineering, strategy, management, organizational design, and architecture. Muness has led or consulted with teams at Shopify, Zapier, JPMC, LivingSocial, Staples and many more.

We discuss the importance of clear communication, trust, and humility in leadership and fostering healthy, supportive work environments.

Connect with Muness:

Website: https://muness.com/
Email: hi@muness.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muness/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/muness
Book time with Muness: https://cal.com/muness

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Wendy has loved learning people's stories, motivations, and history from a very young age. "I was always the new kid. I had to learn how to read people," she remembers.

Wendy Moore is a founder, social entrepreneur, and technologist passionate about creating work environments so that everyone can thrive. Her career has given her opportunities to work around the world with top innovation leaders, companies, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Through her company, Eleve Talent, her focus is on helping amazing innovative teams grow in a strategic, scalable way.

We discuss the crucial role clear communication with just the right level of transparency, and unifying around and celebrating our losses as well as our wins, have in building trust with the teams we lead.

Connect with Wendy vie email: wendy@elevetalent.com and LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/moorewendy.

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Antoinette considers herself a compulsive teacher. And a perpetual loudmouth.

Antoinette Coetzee is a professional coach whose pattern in life seems to be to learn something, master it, and then immediately want to share it with. Personal development, new possibilities, a more supportive society, and 3 pugs are what gets her up in the morning.

We chat about the close ties between our leadership and our personal development, the importance of embracing humility and experimentation, and how inhabiting our current circumstances can bring the energy and direction we need to lead well.

Connect with Antoinette on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/antoinettecoetzee; her website: https://agilecoaching.global/; and via email: antoinette@agilecoaching.co.za.

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Melissa's first job was at a company so special that no one working there realized it was special.

Melissa Boggs is a keynote speaker, leadership coach, and employee experience designer. She is host of the Wild Hearts at Work podcast, a roller skater, and an ardent defender of the Oxford comma.

We chat about the power of storytelling, consistently showing up, and taking up our full space in forming positive company culture. Also, about why she identifies with the hummingbird, and how leading and roller skating have so many parallels.

Contact Melissa at melissa@melissaboggs.com, the contact form on her website http://www.melissaboggs.com, and her digital business card: https://poplme.co/hash/82EnBZ8K/1/es

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Devan believes engineers are more than just a subtype of human.

Dr. Devan Kronisch has worked in nonprofits, academia, and the tech sector focusing on learning and development, coaching, and DEI. With a doctorate in psychology and an international background, they have a knack for solving communication challenges as well as bringing in both the outside perspective and the big-picture view.

We chat about Devan's approach to coaching, diversity, and the importance of recognizing individual experiences and boundaries.

Devan's cheat sheets for better sleep, better breaks, and a healthy home office:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eUsaVp1FjavoOkPERwffuT3OLKpCaT1F/view?usp=sharing

Connect with Devan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/devan-kronisch/.

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Jenny values diversity so much that she has a hard time with people who don't value diversity.

Jenny Tarwater is an Enterprise Coach working with large organizations to achieve their outcomes, generally using Agile values, principles, and practices. Her default stance is to put people and culture first and be curious about how they impact the overall system and practices. She is an international speaker with a passion for helping other coaches and trainers level up their game.

We chat about making your team dynamics visible, helping your team be comfortable with vulnerability, being curiosity, and knowing your values.

Path to Agility assessment to help you understand how you can help your teams improve: https://p2anav.com/survey?referralCode=website-navigation

Contact Jenny:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennytarwater/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jennykcmo
Website: https://agilevelocity.com/

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Kim never knows what face to make while somebody is reading her bio.

Kim Crowder is the founder & CEO of Kim Crowder Consulting. She is also one of the country’s most sought-after and transformative leadership, marketing and communications facilitators, speakers, and advisors. Kim has been named by Forbes as a “Top Anti-Racism Educators Companies Need Now" and has been featured pretty much everywhere.

We chat about the importance of noticing who we are including and who we are leaving out, having even a distant connection with leaders who are doing this, and why this is smart business.

Connect with Kim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimcrowder/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/kimcrowderconsulting/ and sign up for her newsletter at kimcrowderconsulting.com.

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Nalani believes it's ok to want something and yet not be willing to do the work to get it.

Nalani Rodriguez helps leaders transform their relationship with work for both themselves and their teams. She believes that leaders hold particular power, influence, and responsibility to create the conditions for themselves and others to live this reality.

We chat about building the muscle of awareness, getting in touch with our intuition, and the many ways we can use the people in our life to support our growth journey.

Nalani's blog post on nonviolent communication: https://nalanirodriguez.com/blog/using-needs-to-get-unstuck-and-create-connection-while-in-conflict

Connect with Nalani at https://nalanirodriguez.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/nalanirodriguez/

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Ray would rather talk with anyone who is available than the "right" person he can never get a hold of.

Ray Myers is Tech Lead of Chaos Engineering at Indeed.com and host of Craft vs Cruft on YouTube.

We chat about leveraging curiosity to find and resolve people's pain, understand their concerns and priorities, and find innovative solutions to the systems behind tough technical and people problems.

Ray's YouTube channel Craft vs Cruft: https://www.youtube.com/@craftvscruft8060

Connect with Ray at @lambdapocalypse on Twitter and Mastodon, and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadrlife

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Faye finds 75% of her job is convincing people that if they would stop treating their employees like crap, most of their problems would go away.

Faye Thompson brings humanity to the workplace and supports organizations as they adopt modern ways of working.

We chat about how encouraging employees to express their authentic selves at work brings greater creativity, innovation, and job satisfaction and how fostering authentic connections among colleagues brings a more positive and productive work culture.

Faye's book recommendations:

Daniel Kahneman, Thinking Fast and Slow: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thinking,_Fast_and_Slow
David McRaney, You Are Not So Smart podcast: https://youarenotsosmart.com/ and books
Daniel Coyle, The Culture Code: https://danielcoyle.com/the-culture-code/

Connect with Faye on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fayethompson/ and Twitter: https://twitter.com/agilefaye

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Samantha believes that people deserve to be their biggest selves.

Samantha Hartley helps consultants multiply their revenues without exhaustion by working with perfect clients on transformational engagements. As a result, they build profitable, joyful consultancies.

Before starting her business, Samantha worked in international marketing for The Coca-Cola Company in Moscow, Russia, and its Atlanta headquarters. She lives on Martha’s Vineyard with her husband and their fur kids.

We chat about the power of our inner child, bringing the fullness of ourselves to our work, and how we benefit the world when we are our biggest selves.

The Definitive Guide to Landing Six-Figure Clients: http://6figureclients.com/

Profitable Joyful Consulting podcast: https://samanthahartley.com/blog-podcast/

Contact Samantha at samanthahartley.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthahartley/.

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Anu's first job was building helicopters.

An experienced technology leader, trainer, author, leadership and executive coach, Anu Arora thrives in complex environments that require both technical and interpersonal excellence.

As the founder of Infinite Potential Leadership, she helps leaders find their way to thrive.

We chat about identifying our strengths and purpose, showing value at every level, and the power of asking questions that have no answers.

Anu's mindfulness library is Mindful Leader Practices on Apple Podcasts

Connect with Anu via email: anu@infinitepotentialleadership.com, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anuarora/, and her website: https://infinitepotentialleadership.com/

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Karin wants each person to experience their life rich with purpose and meaning, integrating their unique body and soul wisdom.

Karin Lubin is a well-being coach, trainer, and exercise enthusiast driven by a desire to inspire and energize leaders and teams. She does this through self-reflection for clarity and wisdom while building inner and outer strength. She uses body building, passion, reflective journaling, and self-connection as the foundational basis for inner mastery.

We chat about helping people leverage their passions and talents, how leading requires us to grow ourselves as well as our people, and the importance of taking time to self-reflect.

Karin's Intuitive Leadership PDF: https://uncommonteams.com/downloads/intuitiveleadership.pdf

Contact Karin:

https://drkarinlubin.com/
https://AppointmentwithKarinLubin.as.me/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinlubin/
https://www.instagram.com/karinlubin/
https://www.facebook.com/drkarinlubin/

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Paul believes we must help our people become whole and complete if we want our people to make whole and complete pictures for our customers.

Paul Carvalho is a leadership coach and psychotherapist often disguised as an Enterprise or Agile coach and consultant. He helps motivated people discover, ignite, and develop their inner strengths to improve relationships with themselves and with others so that they can go far beyond where they are right now.

We chat about emotions being information, the power of bringing our uniqueness and openness, and how growing people can adapt the systems we work within.

Contact Paul at ask@quality-driven.com and @can_agile.

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"I've made plenty of mistakes along the way," Louise readily states.

Louise Perold has been leading teams for several decades, first in South Africa and now in Portugal. She's been focused on quality throughout, including co-organizing a testing conference in South Africa for a number of years, and she currently serves on the board of the Association for Software Testing.

We chat about becoming an effective people manager, building trust within teams, and allowing a team to discover its best ways of working.

Some things that help Louise:

Studying nonviolent communication is a lifelong journey. https://www.nonviolentcommunication.com/resources/
Nancy Kline's book Time to Think had a big impact on me especially because it is something I truly relate to: https://www.timetothink.com/thinking-environment/
Esther Perel's podcast: https://www.estherperel.com/podcast
Problem Solving Leadership workshop: https://www.estherderby.com/workshops/psl/

Contact Louise at louise.perold@gmail.com; @lperold on Twitter; https://www.linkedin.com/in/lperold/.

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Vanessa believes that if work is constantly feeling difficult, we're not doing it right.

Vanessa Bennett is the CEO of Next Evolution Performance, a global high-performance coaching business using neuroscience to help driven leaders and teams to optimize profitability, productivity, and energy, and to decrease their effort, sickness, burnout, and mental health problems. This ensures that success, and therefore profitability, is sustainable.

Vanessa and I chat about helping teams succeed without burning out, optimizing our work to optimize our cognitive energy, and sustaining our ability to work at our best.

Links Vanessa mentions:

Online course The Neuroscience of Getting More Done: a great way to help people understand cognitive energy and how to use it effectively https://www.nextevolutionenergy.com/
Weekly Insights newsletter: https://nextevolutionperformance.com/insights/
Complimentary 20-minute performance call to discuss one of your biggest challenges: https://nextevolutionperformance.com/performance-call-individuals/

Contact Vanessa via email: vbennett@neperform.com, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/high-performance-coach-vanessa-bennett/, and her company website: https://nextevolutionperformance.com/.

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Than connects with people through humor and lightheartedness. Than Som is an experienced leader and a founder of her local Agile community. From an early practitioner of Extreme Programming developed into a thriving career helping teams find their best way to become the teams they want to be. We chat about her early experiences having outsized impacts, the ways emotions drive our actions, identifying gaps in understanding, and carrying the voice of your team. Connect with Than at thansom4@gmail.com and on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/than-som-b178375/ For more inspiring conversations like this, sign up for my newsletter at https://uncommonteams.com. And follow Uncommon Leadership wherever you get your podcasts.

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Cindy has been described by her daughter as a rolling stone that gathers no moss related to her work history.

Cindy Carless has enjoyed multiple career changes and is currently transitioning to work as a death doula and freelance coach and facilitator.

In contrast, she has lived in the same house for over 20 years except for a 2-year attempt to settle in Fredensborg, Denmark.

We discuss engaging with learning, celebrating what is, and why becoming a death doula is a natural transition for her.

Contact Cindy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-carless-069a6715/ and https://omaru.co.za/.

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Joanne sometimes finds seeing the reality of who she is scary.

Joanne Perold runs a small coaching business and has been leading teams, individuals, and organizations since the early 2000s.

We chat about speaking people's language, sussing out what people are ready for, and signals we might be heading into a trap—and how to recover when we miss those signals and fall in.

Joanne's weekly centering meditation: https://faethm.co.za/podcast
Contact Joanne at joanne@faethm.co.za; faethm_za on instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn; and https://faethm.co.za.

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George has worked as an organic vegetable farmer, a theatre technician, and a tv repairman.

George Dinwiddie is an independent consultant helping organizations learn to develop software more effectively. He explores ways that people can make better decisions for themselves and their organizations.

We talk about using other people's points of view to help them get what they need, doing what is right for the team versus what someone else says should be done, and how big change comes from small changes.

Handouts: https://idiacomputing.com/publications/#Handouts

Newsletter: https://idiacomputing.com/newsletter/

Connect with George at idia@idiacomputing.com, https://twitter.com/gdinwiddie, http://www.linkedin.com/in/gdinwiddie, https://blog.gdinwiddie.com/

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Esther finds medieval history relevant to looking at organizations because the past is always in the present.

Esther Derby has been called one of the most influential voices within the agile communities when it comes to developing organizations and transforming management. She helps people adjust their environment to work more effectively together.

We chat about understanding and adjusting team dynamics, the power of compelling goals, and how emotions can enrich our lives—even when we'd rather ignore them.

Contact Esther at esther@estherderby.com, twitter.com/estherderby, https://www.youtube.com/c/EstherDerbyIsHere, https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherderby/

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Having fun while working is one of Linda's superpowers.

Linda M Cook is a practicing Agile Fundamentalist with significant experience in coaching and training agile ways of working to all levels of an organization. Her purpose in doing this work is to reduce unnecessary suffering in the workplace.

Linda and I chat about the power of letting teams make their own decisions, showing your team you have their back, seeing the communication problems that often underlie apparent technology problems.

Agile Coin Game: https://www.projectcooks.com/agile-penny-game-modified/

Contact Linda at lindamcook@projectcooks.com, linkedin.com/in/lindamcook, and @lindamcook1

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Mark believes that leadership is at the core of what we do every moment.

Known as The Sales Hunter, Mark Hunter is recognized as one of the world's top 50 most influential sales and marketing leaders.

We chat about our number one job as leaders, the ultimate goal of a leader, and the mindset great leaders have. We also hear how an octogenarian affected Mark's reading habits.

"50 Prospecting Truths" eBook: https://thesaleshunter.com/50-prospecting-truths-ebook/

Connect with Mark at thesaleshunter.com, linkedin.com/in/markhunter, https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkHunterTheSalesHunter, TheSalesHunter https://twitter.com/TheSalesHunter, https://www.instagram.com/thesaleshunter/

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Jeff first saw the power of leveraging each person's unique gifts while the squadron operations officer for The Little Radar That Could.

The Managing Director and co-founder of Workforce Strategies International, Jeff's career has spanned the military, aerospace, and manufacturing.

Jeff shares how he helps small teams get more done than teams many times their size. We discuss moving from directing to leading. And Jeff relates what he learned about teams from coaching children's soccer.

Connect with Jeff at jeff@workforcestrat.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgriffithsfcmc/.

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Matt focuses on “putting people in the right seat.”

Recognized by USA Today as one of the “Top 9 Most Exciting Entrepreneurs of 2021,” Matt Domo is CEO of FifthVantage.

We discuss how he finds the right seats for people. Matt shares strategies he uses to transform initial discomfort into excitement. He also talks about how he puts himself in the right seat.

Connect with Matt at matt.domo@fifthvantage.com, fifthvantage.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattdomo/, and https://www.linkedin.com/company/56187019/.

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Johanna catches people doing things right. Sometimes, she recognizes that's what she is doing.

Always funny—and always frank, Johanna "The Pragmatic Manager" Rothman helps leaders like you see simple and reasonable things that might work.

We talk about the power of catching people doing things right. We talk about the power of reinforcing loops. And we talk about helping people break out of constraints that may seem unbreakable.

Connect with Johanna at jrothman.com, https://twitter.com/johannarothman, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannarothman/.

Pragmatic Manager newsletter: https://www.jrothman.com/pragmaticmanager/

Create Adaptable Life newsletter: https://createadaptablelife.com/

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Watching his kids struggle with ill-fitting jobs set Sam on his course to building teams around the unique gifts each person brings.

Sam Reeve is an innovative thinker, pay and talent performance expert, and the founder of CompTeam.

We talk about how having people do work that fits them affects customers' experiences. We also discuss the importance of understanding what's happening in our colleagues' lives and of managing unexpected outcomes with thoughtfulness.

Connect with Sam: sam@compteam.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/samreeve/.

The CompTeam People Strategy Forum: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYNJ2BngltSxGsUGWeoYxbA

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Ever feel like you are just one more cog in a machine? Ever had a manager treat you as though you were completely interchangeable with someone else on your team? Ever been stuck doing something you absolutely hated while others complained about doing something you would have loved to do?

We’re not just cogs, nor are we plug-and-play replacements for anyone else. We each have unique talents. The teams I’ve most enjoyed working with, and the teams who best accomplished their goals, have always been teams who customized their approach to take full advantage of those unique gifts.

The Uncommon Leadership interview series will inspire you through the stories of those who have made the shift from struggling to thriving as leaders, individually and in a team environment.

Uncommon Leadership: Recent Episodes

Michael Hunter, Uncommon Change, LLC